He collapsed two miles into the marathon and went into cardiac arrest.
“I didn’t know I was going into cardiac arrest,” Farkas said. “Nausea began to set in around the three-quarter mile marker, and my arms felt uncomfortable. I decided to walk to the 2-mile mark and reassess how I felt. I drank some water at the first water station and began to feel better.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiac arrest is sudden and often has no warning.
Farkas recalled, “Just past the 2-mile mark, I grew dizzy and felt as if I was going to pass out. The next thing I remember from that day is waking up in an ambulance and talking with the EMS team.”
Luckily for Farkas, two bystanders began CPR immediately after he collapsed.
Following this, two Wright-Patterson Air Force Base firefighters who had been riding bicycles were able to resuscitate Farkas and begin to restore his circulation. More firefighters rushed to the scene to help save Farkas. With the aid of the Beavercreek Fire Department, Farkas was rushed to Soin Medical Center where he recovered.
On July 14, Farkas threw the first pitch at a Dayton Dragons game. Four of the Wright-Patterson AFB firefighters who responded to the scene last year came to see Farkas at the game. They talked with his family, who are grateful for their help that day.
“I was thankful and honored to be there with them,” Farkas said. “It seemed like I was meeting old friends. The adrenaline kicked in for me. We talked about the experience and for all of us it seemed so vivid. I was able to fill in some gaps for what happened.”
Farkas will be walking the 10K this year with his wife.
“One of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base crew volunteered to walk with us. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
If anyone is going into cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately. If the individual is not breathing, begin CPR immediately. Use an AED/portable defibrillator if it is available and follow the voice instructions. Firefighters don’t only respond to fires, they respond to other emergencies as well. Firefighters, along with other emergency personnel, will be at the upcoming marathon to keep attendees safe.
The Wright-Patterson AFB Fire Department can be reached for a non-emergency at 937-257-3033.
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