Every now and then, you come across a true story that a Hollywood screenwriter could not envision. Such a story happened here in Fishers, involving an alert police officer, lots of first responders, and the use of an AED machine to treat a man that designed electronic components for the technology that saved his life.
Most of the people involved in saving the life of Troy Borgens were gathered at Fishers Police Headquarters Monday afternoon. Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart gave a brief introduction, along with Fire Chief Steve Orusa, but both quickly turned the attention to those involved in the incident that happened at the Borgens’ Fishers home abut three weeks ago.
Troy Borgens began by stating clearly he was not conscious for most of the story, but has learned what happened and gave the narrative for all gathered.
Mr. Borgens quickly came under stress while at home. When his wife saw her husband was not breathing, 911 was called. The dispatcher instructed Mrs. Borgens on how to start CPR. Officer Corey Miller responded quickly to the Borgens’ home.
Troy Bergens was later told he had just suffered what is called a “widow maker” heart attack. The name implies that this trauma has a very low survival rate, even when it happens in a hospital.
Officer Miller administered the AED, got his heart going again, paramedics arrived and helped stabilize Borgens’ condition and he was rushed to the local Fishers IU Hospital, then transferred to Methodist Hospital in downtown Indianapolis.
After a 2-day medically-induced coma, Mr. Borgens was revived from that coma and was discharged one week after the traumatic event.
“My prognosis is very good, I suffered zero heart damage, which is just incredible” Borgens said. “They expect I’ll start cardiac rehab on the 11th of December.”
“The depth of my gratitude just cannot be expressed to these first responders, to the dispatcher, to the doctors and nurses who treated me in the last three weeks,” said Borgens.
The most interesting twist to this amazing story is that Troy Borgens, while working in Everett, Washington, during the years 2006-2008, was heavily involved in the electronic systems integrated into the AED unit utilized by Officer Miller that helped save his life.
There were hugs, tears and lots of thanks at Fishers Police Headquarters Monday afternoon. It was a good news story.