Robyne Gold Saved a Life Mid-Game: What started as a friendly pickleball match at the Baytown Community Center turned into a life-saving emergency when Robyne Gold, a retired ExxonMobil first responder and longtime EMT, used her skills to revive a fellow player who collapsed mid-game.
Gold, 67, took up pickleball just last year but quickly became hooked. She plays four to five times a week, enjoying both the competition and camaraderie. However, on Wednesday, her years of emergency training became more important than ever.
A Routine Match Turns into a Life-or-Death Situation
Gold was playing a match with her partner Mary against opponents Randy and Tom, another ExxonMobil retiree. The game ended in a close 11-9 victory for Gold and Mary. Afterward, the players sat down to rest and chat when Randy suddenly collapsed.
“I saw him lean forward, and as I turned back, I could tell he was unconscious,” Gold said. “I immediately jumped off the stage and hollered, ‘Call 911!’”
Gold quickly assessed Randy’s condition—no pulse, no breathing. She immediately began chest compressions while calling out for an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Lifesaving Actions with an AED
Just a month earlier, Gold and her friend Vince had located the AED at the community center, never imagining they would need it so soon. Vince retrieved the device, while Gold continued CPR.
“I asked if anyone knew CPR, and it was silent,” she said. “However, Tom stepped up and asked how he could help.”
Following Gold’s instructions, Tom stabilized Randy’s airway. When the AED arrived, they quickly attached the pads and let the machine analyze Randy’s condition.
“The AED said a shock was required, so I made sure no one was touching him and delivered the shock,” Gold explained. “After about 15 to 20 seconds, it told me to start CPR again.”
As Gold resumed compressions, Randy suddenly showed signs of life, his eyes flickering open and letting out a groan. Moments later, paramedics from the Baytown Fire Department arrived and took over, preparing to transport Randy to the hospital.
A Remarkable Recovery
As paramedics lifted Randy onto a stretcher, he surprised everyone by making a joke.
“That’s when I started crying,” Gold said. “Just moments ago, this man had no pulse, and now he’s awake, cracking jokes.”
Gold later visited Randy in the hospital and met his wife, daughter, and brother, learning they had both grown up in Baytown but never crossed paths before. Before leaving, she left him with one final message.
“I told him, ‘Don’t forget. We’ve got a rematch.’ He just laughed.”
The Importance of CPR and AED Training
This was the third time Gold had performed CPR, but only the second time it was successful. She emphasized the critical role the AED played in saving Randy’s life.
“The odds of bringing someone back with CPR alone are low. Having the AED made all the difference.”
Gold hopes this experience encourages others to learn CPR and know where AEDs are located.
“If you ever need to use CPR, chances are it will be on someone you know. I never wanted to be the person who just stood there helpless. Everyone should learn CPR.”
A Hometown Hero
Despite being hailed as a hero, Gold remains humble.
“I was just fortunate that I was at the right place at the right time and had the skills to help.”
Her sister, Joanna, disagrees.
“I am very proud of my sister. She is definitely an unsung hero in our hometown.”
For the Baytown pickleball community, Gold is more than just a teammate. She’s a lifesaver and a true hero, proving that quick thinking and training can make all the difference.
News in Brief: Robyne Gold Saved a Life Mid-Game
Pickleball player Robyne Gold, a retired EMT and firefighter, saved fellow player Randy’s life after he collapsed at the Baytown Community Center. Using CPR and an AED, she revived him before paramedics arrived. Gold urges everyone to learn CPR, emphasizing that AEDs can save lives in emergencies.
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