Pickleball Buddies Saved Man: Dave Rowe, a lifelong athlete and Altoona resident, is marking a milestone today, but it’s not just any birthday. As he turns 75, he’s surrounded by friends and family, a living truth to the power of quick thinking and modern medicine.
A Near-Tragic Incident on the Pickleball Court
Rowe’s birthday celebration almost didn’t happen. Just weeks ago, while indulging in his favorite pastime—pickleball—Rowe suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. His collapse on the court was as shocking as it was sudden. But thanks to the swift actions of his friends and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED), Rowe is among the fortunate few who survive such a crisis outside of a hospital setting.
On July 3, Rowe’s routine morning of pickleball at McDonough Park in Eau Claire took a dramatic turn. After an hour of play, he suddenly went down, his heart failing without warning. His friends, who were used to cheering him on, were now faced with an urgent emergency.
Julie Hasenberg, who heard the frantic call for 911, leaped into action. With no prior real-life experience using CPR or an AED, she relied on her training. As she administered chest compressions, the classic beat of “Stayin’ Alive” echoed in her mind, guiding her through the crucial rhythm needed to keep Rowe’s blood pumping.
Meanwhile, Dan Szymanski hustled to retrieve the AED from a nearby facility. He handed it off to a younger member, ensuring every second counted. Hasenberg followed the AED’s instructions, delivering a life-saving shock that jolted Rowe back from the brink.
A Miraculous Turn of Events
The sight of Rowe taking a gasping breath and regaining consciousness was a moment of sheer relief. As the ambulance whisked him away, Hasenberg and others shared a prayer, reflecting on the extraordinary turn of events.
“I thought to myself, ‘You’re not dying, Dave. Not today,’” Hasenberg recalled, her voice thick with emotion. “It was a miracle. It truly was.”
Sue Rowe, Dave’s wife, and a retired Mayo physician expressed her gratitude for the timely intervention. “If this had to happen, it could not have gone better,” she said. “Everything fell into place—the people, the CPR, the AED, the ambulance. It was all there.”
The Power of Preparedness and Community
Rowe’s survival is a powerful reminder of the importance of having defibrillators accessible and the critical role of immediate CPR. The Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club, which maintains an AED at McDonough Park, quickly re-equipped the device, showing the importance of being prepared.
Dave, a dedicated biker who had just completed a significant ride the day before, is now adapting to a new reality. He has been fitted with an internal pacemaker/defibrillator to manage his arrhythmia and is recovering from rib fractures sustained during CPR. Despite the pain, his spirits remain high, and his recovery is marked by his trademark humor and determination.
Today, as he celebrates his 75th birthday, Dave is not just commemorating another year but celebrating the chance to live and share his story. His friends and family will gather, grateful for his presence, and the occasion will serve as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the power of community action.
In Dave Rowe’s case, what could have been a somber anniversary is transformed into a joyous celebration. “I told my friends,” Sue Rowe said, “Dave just won the biggest jackpot there is.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Buddies Saved Man
Dave Rowe, a 75-year-old Altoona resident, is celebrating a special milestone today, having survived a near-tragic incident on the pickleball court. Just weeks ago, Rowe suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during his game at McDonough Park. Thanks to his friends’ swift actions and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED), he survived. Julie Hasenberg performed CPR while Dan Szymanski retrieved the AED, delivering a life-saving shock that revived Rowe. His wife, Sue, a retired Mayo physician, praised the timely intervention. Rowe, now fitted with a pacemaker/defibrillator, is recovering and celebrating his birthday with gratitude for his second chance at life. The day is a testament to community preparedness and the fragility of life.
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