Rye Fire & Rescue Reunites Hampton Man with Those Who Saved His Life After Heart Attack

RYE — Chris Phillips set off on a bike ride from his Hampton home to York Beach, Maine, on Sept. 11, 2022.

The next thing he remembers is waking up in a hospital bed, confused, with doctors telling him they thought they would never see him again.

Phillips later learned that he had suffered a cardiac arrest, a medical event that only 10 percent of people survive.

On Thursday, July 18, about 50 friends and family members, and those who took part in Chris’ care, gathered at the Rye Public Safety building to celebrate his survival. 

“I am proud of everyone here. I am proud of the folks at the hospital, the bystanders, the medics and all of people that had a play in this. Community is a part of our system,” said Chief Cotreau.

The chain of events responsible for Phillips’ survival began with Summer Sessions surf shop owner Ryan McGill, who was told by visitors that a person was unresponsive on a bench outside. McGill, who has extensive CPR training, quickly assessed Phillips’ condition and began chest compressions. 

Rye Fire & Rescue responders Jake MacGlashing, Kaitlyn Pidgeon, Jon Cots, and Deputy Chief Kevin Wunderly soon arrived and took over critical life-saving care. While providing treatment, medics used the automated LUCAS chest compression system. In 20 minutes, they were able to restore Phillips’ pulse and stabilize him before arriving at the hospital. 

Portsmouth Regional Hospital staff provided Phillips with further treatment, and he was released after 10 days. 

“Chris is here today mainly due to these folks here and the wonderful EMS service that Rye does,” said cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Bridges. “You talk about the 10 percent survival rate, it’s all because of what they have done.”

The ceremony, introduced by Fire Chief Mark Cotreau and led by Regional EMS Coordinator Andrew Mason, recognized the dozens of people who contributed to Phillips’ life-saving care. 

“Today I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit that is deeply moved by the extraordinary efforts of you guys, professionals and non-professionals that just did what they did,” Phillips said during the ceremony. 

Phillips presented plaques to Summer Sessions, Portsmouth Regional Hospital staff, and Rye Fire & Rescue, whom he recognized as the reasons for him being alive today. 

“To the staff of Rye Fire & Rescue, I just want to acknowledge that your efforts, often under really immense pressure and challenging circumstances, mean the world to people like me,” Phillips said. “I hope that people express their appreciation for you. It’s truly brilliant what you guys do.”