McLaren Bay Region Cardiologist Saves a Life While on Vacation

January 27, 2013
By: O. J. Cunningham

Vacations are for making memories. Some people catch fish, go swimming, roast marshmellows, go biking. And some safe a life . . .

Cardiologist Subba Chavali, MD, and his wife were enjoying a nice breakfast at Hidden Valley resort, just outside of Pittsburg, while they were on vacation recently. But an idyllic vacation morning rapidly changed when a restaurant patron collapsed -- and was found not to have a pulse.

Hidden Valley is located approximately 15 miles from the freeway and immediate medical care wasn't available. So immediately Dr. Chavali and his wife, who is also a physician, began CPR on the gentleman and kept it going for nearly a half an hour. When police finally arrived, they attempted to use the AED from the resort, but it wouldn't function, so back to the CPR, which they continued until paramedics arrived.

They found the patient was in V-Fib, so the paramedics shocked him back into rhythm. When they were transporting the patient to the hospital, Dr. Chavali told the patient's wife that he and his wife were physicians and would appreciate hearing back from her. She later texted Dr. Chavali and told him that the patient was awake in the hospital and speaking.

And because Dr. Chavali leaves nothing to chance, he also made plans to call the resort so they could check the electrodes on the AED.

Because of the heroic actions of Dr. Chavali and his wife, the restaurant patron lives to go on another vacation -- and make more memories.

Alice Gerard, President/CEO of McLaren Bay Region, presented the Bay Star award to Dr. Chavali on January 3. He received a Bay Star pin, tote bag, framed certificate and a $50 Bay Pride E-Shop certificate.