Patient Thanks Wife, Medical Team for Saving His Life During Cardiac Arrest

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- It was a hot and humid summer day in June when Ted Stickles and his wife, Jaelin, loaded up and headed to his regular chiropractor appointment. Jaelin does not normally go to his appointments, but for some reason, on this day – she went. Ted would later say it was divine invention.

During his appointment, he suffered cardiac arrest. Fortunately, his wife’s medical training as a certified nurse midwife meant that she knew CPR. Jaelin began chest compressions on her husband immediately. Ted was unconscious as EMS crews arrived and took over CPR. They established an airway, started an IO in his leg to give medications, and used two cardiac monitors to shock his heart back into rhythm. It took five defibrillations to get his heart beating again.

After paramedics transported Ted to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, his heart stopped beating again. Nurses in the ER started CPR again, utilizing a LUCAS device, and they would not give up. After about 25 minutes, Ted regained a pulse.

During a reunion this week with firefighters, paramedics and the ER team from Memorial Hermann, Ted expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in saving his life.

“I’ve been married to this beautiful woman for 41 years… and, luckily, she was there. She never goes with me to my chiropractor appointments. I’m here because for some reason, God put her there,” Ted said. “God put the paramedics there and all of you from the ER there. I’m just so grateful to all of you. I can’t say enough. Thank you all so very much.”

MCHD would like to thank all of the first responders involved in Mr. Stickles’ care:

MCHD Paramedics

Justin Krusleski, In-Charge

Austen Taylor, Attendant

Kerri King, District Chief

The Woodlands Fire Department

Lt Tyson Furrh

D/O Wade Sykes

FF Colton Harrington

FF Brandon Pizzino

Montgomery County Hospital District’s mission is to care for the indigent and provide EMS services while protecting the interest of taxpayers and ensuring long-term stability through fund development. For more information about the Montgomery County Hospital District, please go to www.mchd-tx.org.