On a crisp November morning, Jerry set out into the mountains of eastern Washington for a day of hunting—something he’d done countless times before. But this time, a sudden wave of weakness and chest discomfort stopped him in his tracks. At first, he assumed it was just heartburn. Still, something didn’t feel right. Trusting his instincts, Jerry made his way back to his cabin and called 911.

Deer Park Ambulance arrived quickly, but just as the crew pulled up, Jerry went into cardiac arrest. For six tense, critical minutes, EMS performed CPR and delivered a defibrillation shock before his pulse finally returned. Meanwhile, Life Flight Network’s Coeur d’Alene-based team had already been activated and was en route. In just 26 minutes, they transported Jerry to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where doctors placed a stent to reopen a blocked artery.

In cardiac emergencies, time is heart muscle—and fast, expert care made all the difference. After 10 days in the cardiac ICU and 12 more in rehabilitation, Jerry made a full recovery. Today, he looks back on the experience with deep gratitude—especially for the quick response of EMS and Life Flight Network. “I was very happy to have Life Flight there for me,” he says. Reflecting on how close he came to not getting off that mountain alive, Jerry adds, “I’m so lucky to still be here.”