Off-Duty Clinicians Perform Life-Saving CPR at Springsteen Concert

A cardiologist and former nurse practitioner jumped into action during a medical emergency at a crowded Bruce Springsteen show.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:09pm by Ben Kaplan

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In Portland, an off-duty cardiologist and former nurse practitioner provided about 15 minutes of CPR after a man collapsed at a Bruce Springsteen concert at the Moda Center, highlighting the challenges of emergency response in crowded venues. The couple, Joshua and Jennifer Roark, were sitting directly behind the man when he slumped over in his seat. They immediately checked for a pulse, found none, and began performing chest compressions while maneuvering the man to the floor with the help of nearby concertgoers.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the importance of having trained medical professionals present at large events, as well as the need for venues to be equipped with proper emergency response protocols and equipment. The Roarks' quick thinking and medical expertise likely saved the man's life, but the chaotic environment of the concert made their efforts more difficult.

The details

Joshua Roark, a cardiologist at Adventist Health's Northwest Heart Center, and his wife, Jennifer Roark, a former nurse practitioner, were sitting directly behind the man when he collapsed. They checked for a pulse, found none, and immediately began performing chest compressions while maneuvering the man to the floor with the help of nearby concertgoers. They continued CPR for about 15 minutes until a Moda Center employee arrived with an automated external defibrillator, though the tight quarters made it difficult to properly position the device. A Portland police officer also arrived to assist with CPR. Eventually, emergency medical technicians arrived and transported the man to a nearby hospital, but the Roarks do not know his current condition.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, April 4, 2026, during a Bruce Springsteen concert at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
  • The Roarks performed CPR for approximately 15 minutes before emergency responders arrived.

The players

Joshua Roark

A cardiologist at Adventist Health's Northwest Heart Center who performed CPR on the collapsed concertgoer.

Jennifer Roark

A former nurse practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience who assisted her husband in performing CPR.

Moda Center

The venue where the Bruce Springsteen concert was taking place and where the medical emergency occurred.

Portland Police Bureau

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident.

Portland Fire & Rescue

The local fire department that responded to the incident.

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What they’re saying

“It was probably the worst of all places to have a medical emergency. It was loud. It was dark. It's a very small space.”

— Jennifer Roark, Former nurse practitioner

“When you learn CPR, they teach you to pump the chest to 'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees. I don't know if Bruce's tempo is the same. I totally zoned out to all the songs.”

— Joshua Roark, Cardiologist

What’s next

The Roarks hope to connect with Moda Center staff to discuss potential improvements to the venue's emergency response protocols, should a similar situation occur in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of having trained medical professionals present at large events, as well as the need for venues to be equipped with proper emergency response protocols and equipment. The Roarks' quick thinking and medical expertise likely saved the man's life, but the chaotic environment of the concert made their efforts more difficult.