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Coach Richard Owens happened to be in Houston last summer -- attending a Texas High School Coaches conference at the George R. Brown (GRB) Convention center when he started having chest pain. EMTs and paramedics in the First Aid station at the GRB came to his rescue. They called 9-1-1 and grabbed the Public Access defibrillator, preparing for the worst.
Houston Fire Department members from several stations responded quickly and determined he was indeed having a heart attack. He had the classic symptoms: crushing chest pain, shortness of breath and pain radiating down his arms and a family history of heart disease. HFD EMTs and paramedics monitored his heart and quickly realized how critical he was and transported him via ambulance.
When they arrived at the hospital, Owens lost pulses in the hospital and received CPR and advanced life support. He got several stents and about a week later, returned to Yoakum to his family: wife, Rachael, son, Ethan, and daughter, Kelsi Carr. They believe he survived because he was in Houston – not in a rural area.
The Owens are coming to Houston to meet and thank everyone involved who recognized his critical condition and cared for him like family before he got to the hospital. They are grateful that Coach Owens had all the links in the Chain of Survival.
If you have any questions regarding this reunion please contact Diana Rodriguez @ HFD EMS 832-373-8970 dianaj.rodriguez@houstontx.gov
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