Cardiac Arrest Survivor Reunites with First Responders

Edward Marsh, 59, thanks emergency personnel who saved his life during a sudden medical emergency.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate structure of a human heart and lungs, conceptually representing the medical emergency and life-saving efforts described in the story.A cardiac arrest survivor's second chance at life underscores the life-saving power of first responders and the importance of community CPR training.Lafayette Today

Edward Marsh, a 59-year-old cardiac arrest patient, recently reunited with first responders from Acadian Ambulance and the Lafayette Fire Department who performed life-saving CPR and resuscitated him after he suddenly collapsed during a dance class. Marsh expressed profound gratitude for the second chance at life and vowed to make the most of his recovery, while the first responders were honored for their excellent life-saving contributions.

Why it matters

This story highlights the critical role of first responders in saving lives during sudden medical emergencies, and the profound impact their actions can have on patients and their families. It also underscores the importance of community members learning CPR, which can mean the difference between life and death.

The details

Marsh suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed suddenly while attending a dance class. First responders from Acadian Ambulance and the Lafayette Fire Department arrived and spent 13 minutes resuscitating him with CPR before he was transported to the hospital. Marsh described the suddenness of his medical emergency, saying "I dropped dead and the next thing I knew, I came back in an ambulance."

  • On the day of the incident, first responders spent 13 minutes performing CPR on Marsh before he was transported to the hospital.

The players

Edward Marsh

A 59-year-old cardiac arrest patient who was resuscitated by first responders and has since reunited with them to express his profound gratitude.

Acadian Ambulance

The emergency medical service provider whose first responders, Andrew Lalonde and Dana Johnson, performed life-saving CPR on Marsh.

Lafayette Fire Department

The fire department whose first responders, Jodi Vincent and Caleb Cloud, were part of the team that saved Marsh's life.

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What they’re saying

“I've got a second chance and it was because of them and I owe them so much. Everything in my recovery, if I don't feel like doing something, I think of them. I think of all the people that were involved and I feel like I owe it to them. I owe it to them to do everything I can to make the most of this second chance.”

— Edward Marsh, Cardiac Arrest Survivor

“It brings a lot, a lot of happiness, a lot of joy that somebody was able to be with their family again and to experience life in a whole new way. Some people don't get to have that chance.”

— Andrew Lalonde, Acadian Ambulance First Responder

“This is this is the reason that we do what we do. People like him and the outcomes that he got. It's not something we see often. And he is he's the reason that we do the job that we do every day.”

— Dana Johnson, Acadian Ambulance First Responder

“Miracles happens and life is precious, so don't take it for granted.”

— Jodi Vincent, Lafayette Fire Department First Responder

“Just seeing the emotion on his face and how much this means to him. That's a good feeling.”

— Caleb Cloud, Lafayette Fire Department First Responder

What’s next

First responders underscored the importance of learning CPR, noting Marsh's case as a prime example of how it saves lives.

The takeaway

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role first responders play in saving lives during sudden medical emergencies, and the profound impact their actions can have on patients and their families. It also highlights the importance of community members learning life-saving skills like CPR.