Walworth, N.Y. (WHAM)— Mark Reissig is a grandfather, athlete and former teacher.
“I used to bike 160 miles a week on average,” said Reissig. “I’ve been doing it for 30 years. I actually am a triathlete.”
That’s why he was shocked one day in June when he found himself struggling 16 miles into a bike ride.
“I’ve had no prior indication of any health problems with my heart whatsoever, no family history of it, and so it was devastating,” said Reissig.
Reissig was experiencing the beginning of a heart attack, just as Molly Ames of Sodus was driving by.
“The way he got off his bike seemed a little distressed,” said Ames. “He seemed like he was struggling. And something in my head just told me that something wasn’t right.”
Ames called out to Reissig, who told her to call 911. He then lost consciousness. Dispatcher Megan Williams of Wayne County 911 answered the call.
“I knew then we had to do CPR,” said Williams. “Her helping and being calm with me, so I didn’t have to get her to do that…she was very willing to do that, and it helped a lot.”
“That’s how it was able to get done,” remarked Ames.
Ames would perform CPR for seven minutes until the ambulance arrived. By the time medical professionals were able to get Reissig’s heart started, he’d been in cardiac arrest for nearly half an hour.
“I would hope anybody would do that,” said Ames. “I really do. I would hope anybody would do that.”
Because of Ames, Reissig is alive; enjoying his grandchildren, and back on his bike.
“She is and forever will be my hero,” said Reissig. “She helped a total stranger, and without thinking about, how much it would have impacted her life, she just acted and acted exactly the right thing at the exactly the right time. And I can, I can never, never repay and never thank her enough.”
Ames was honored with a proclamation at the Walworth Town Hall on Thursday, along with a NYS Senate citation.
Reissig said he hopes everyone takes the time to learn CPR. CLICK HEREto learn more about where you can find a class.
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