When a Football Coach’s Heart Stopped, an Off-Duty Firefighter Stepped In Without Hesitation

An off-duty firefighter saved a football coach in Orange County, CA, after the coach suddenly fell unconscious. The coach and the firefighter were playing on separate pickleball courts when the firefighter saw the coach suddenly go down. With quick thinking, he began chest compressions that ultimately saved the coach’s life.

Firefighter Saves Football Coach After Heart Attack

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"One minute you're there and enjoying time with friends," said San Juan Hills High School football coach Rob Frith. "It hit me so fast I dropped on the back of my head."

Frith had suffered a heart attack from an undetected medical issue.

The firefighter, John Rowlands, ran over and began chest compressions that lasted 15 minutes before paramedics got there.

“Because of the rapid, coordinated response, Rob was awake and talking in the ambulance as he was transported from the scene,” said the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, “an outcome that is rare in cardiac arrest cases.”

Something ‘Good’ Happened

When Rob became conscious again, he was in the ambulance with paramedics.

“I think I looked at them and just kind of said, ‘Well, if I’m looking at you two guys right now, something bad must’ve happened to me,’” he said. “I think the response I got was something like, ‘No, you’re looking at us right now, so I think something good happened to you.’ That was Johnny saving my life.”  

A month later, Rob and his family visited John at the Fire Department to thank him.

"This means everything," Rob's wife, Tara, told John. "You are our forever hero, along with the other men who were there with you that day. I cannot thank you enough."

A Helping Hand All the Way

Rob’s son said, “I was out with my mom when we got the call. There must have been somebody there, and these guys took over, gave me one of their numbers, they communicated with me throughout the whole car ride there.”

John said, “It felt good. It was really cool to know that we had the right people there at the right time to keep a family together."

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Rob is expected to make a full recovery and hopes to play with John on the pickleball court when he does. 

I certainly hope the two get the chance to play together. It’s wonderful that someone who is trained in CPR was there when Rob fell. Rob and his family will be forever grateful. 

WATCH: When a Football Coach’s Heart Stopped, an Off-Duty Firefighter Stepped In Without Hesitation

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/KTLA 5

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.