Ed Wesolowski experienced a life-threatening widow-maker heart attack while attending a Duquesne women's basketball game, collapsing in the stands. This type of heart attack, involving one of the three key arteries that supply blood to the heart, is notorious for its severity and potential fatality. Fortunately, the quick and decisive actions of the medical staff on site saved Wesolowski's life, employing emergency protocols they had never used before. The team utilized an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and performed chest compressions to revive him, showcasing the efficacy of their training during such critical moments.
The widow-maker heart attack is often the main "culprit" when patients suffer from heart attacks. Symptoms typically include chest pain described as tightness or pressure-like, which can radiate to the neck, jaw, or shoulder. Other associated symptoms are shortness of breath, dizziness, and an upset stomach. Wesolowski's sudden collapse during the game underscored the unpredictability and seriousness of this medical emergency.
Dr. Ryan Nussbaum, the team physician, alongside assistant strength and conditioning coach Liz Lee and athletic trainer Travis Moyer, sprang into action. Dr. Nussbaum performed chest compressions while Lee immediately retrieved the AED.
"I think that's when our instincts took over, with [assistant strength and conditioning coach Liz Lee] immediately grabbing the AED, [and athletic trainer Travis Moyer] and I just… running up there, because that's what we've been trained to do," – Dr. Ryan Nussbaum
"And you're just focused on doing what you've learned through basic life support." – Dr. Ryan Nussbaum
The medical team's protocol was executed flawlessly, despite being a fan rather than an athlete in need of their intervention.
"Everything went the way that it was supposed to, the way that it was planned. It was kind of a unique situation that it was a fan and not an athlete, but the protocol and the process is always the same, no matter who the patient is." – Travis Moyer
Wesolowski's wife, Katie, witnessed the harrowing scene as medical professionals worked tirelessly to save her husband.
"[I] just grabbed his face, and he was shaking. He was, like, blue… I thought he was having a seizure. But deep down, I think I knew," – Katie Wesolowski
Reflecting on the incident, Wesolowski expressed profound gratitude towards the medical team for their role in saving his life.
"How prepared they were to recognize the situation and know exactly what to do, and in a very tense moment, you know… I'm crazy thankful for all of that," – Ed Wesolowski
"I mean, because if it wasn't for [them], and if all of those things [didn't] come together at the right time, then, you know, it might have been a different story — but they were ready to go," – Ed Wesolowski
In an emotional moment before another game, Wesolowski met the medical team who saved him for the first time. Duquesne honored its training staff that night, acknowledging their crucial role in this life-saving event. The Wesolowski family felt deeply grateful for the team's swift actions.
"I remember a warm, like, sort of dizzy feeling, and I guess [it] overtook my body. It started, like, in my feet and sort of was working its way up. And I remember thinking, that's strange. And then the next thing I remember is being revived," – Ed Wesolowski
