'She saved my life': Englewood man survives cardiac arrest
A morning that began like any other nearly turned tragic for Stephen Cloutier, an avid sportsman and Englewood resident, when he collapsed and stopped breathing while preparing for his regular pickleball game.
Thanks to the swift and heroic actions of his significant other, Eliza Duade, Cloutier is alive today.
Duade immediately called 911 and began performing CPR. Paramedics from Sarasota County Emergency Services arrived quickly and transported Cloutier to HCA Florida Englewood Hospital.
“If Eliza had not been in my life, I wouldn’t be here,” Cloutier said. The couple met in 2023 and have been inseparable ever since.
Dr. Sailendra Upendram, an interventional cardiologist at the hospital, recalled the urgency of the situation. “He had a heart attack. Time was of the essence and we took care of him right away.” He received emergency care in the cardiac catheterization lab and intensive care unit.
“They were ready for him. There was someone with him at all times,” Duade said. “I know it’s their job and it’s what they do, but it’s a miracle.”
Cloutier praised the care he received, describing the medical team as “very caring and sensitive,” and said Dr. Upendram was “very thorough” in explaining everything.
Just three days after being discharged, Cloutier was back on the pickleball court.
“What else can you say? You people saved my life. That’s what happened. That’s what they did,” he said. “You’re given a new lease on life. There is no gratitude that I can express that’s great enough to indicate how I feel. Thank you.”
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 350,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring each year, according to the American Heart Association. About 90 percent of those cases are fatal, but immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
More than 70 percent of cardiac arrests happen at home, and only about 40 percent of victims receive help before emergency responders arrive.
Recognizing the Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Signs of cardiac arrest can come on without warning. Some people may experience symptoms like chest pain, nausea, or shortness of breath just before arresting. However, most often, a person may be in cardiac arrest if they:
- Aren’t breathing or are gasping for air
- Collapse suddenly and pass out
- Don’t have a pulse
- Don’t respond to shouting or shaking
In such moments, every second counts. Hands-only CPR, which involves just two steps — calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest — can be as effective as conventional CPR in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
“Get CPR training,” Duade urged. “It is more important than you’ll ever know — until the day you have to use it. Then you’ll be grateful.”
Concerned about your heart health? The HCA Florida healthcare cardiovascular referral line connects you with trusted heart doctors who provide compassionate care. Get connected with a cardiologist at HCA Florida Healthcare when you call (877) 442-2362.