Miracle as defibrillator saves Irish grandfather's life during Long Island school run

“I would be dead if it did not happen in the school,” says Meath immigrant

Howard said a defibrillator was so close due to Louis’ Law, a New York State law enacted in 2002 which mandates that all schools must have portable defibrillators. The law was passed after Northport High School freshman Louis Acompora, 14, died from cardiac arrest during his first high school lacrosse game.

As a police officer, Howard had used a defibrillator a dozen times in his career. Back in his family home by 9:10 a.m., the father of three said he was a little shaken by the morning emergency.

“It was pretty crazy, it took me a few hours to calm down,” Howard said.

Meanwhile, Clarke was rushed to Huntington Hospital, where doctors couldn’t believe the Irishman had been so lucky.

“I have never even had high blood pressure,” said Clarke, who has worked as a diesel mechanic for most of his life.

The doctors placed two stents in his heart and kept him under observation for a few days.

For now, doctors have told Clarke to quit smoking and stop drinking caffeinated tea. One week on from the incident, Clarke says he has more energy since the stents were inserted.

“You say to yourself, sitting up in the hospital bed, I can’t drink tea? Well I am lucky to be here, to be drinking anything,” he reflected.

Clarke’s only daughter, Erin Cancro, is grateful to the medical personnel who saved her fathers life.

“We are just so grateful to the men and women who helped him,” Cancro told the Irish Voice.

“There are people that will step in and help in an emergency. You would hope in an emergency you can act. We are lucky these people did.”
 

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Nster.com