Young Cardiac Arrest Survivor Urges Everyone To Learn CPR & Keep Up With Heart Health

June 4, 2024 Ashley McCann

A young cardiac arrest survivor is now sharing her story to spread awareness about the importance of CPR and checking in on your heart health.

In 2014, Brittany Williams was just 24 years old when she unexpectedly went into cardiac arrest but was thankfully saved by CPR.

Photo: YouTube/TODAY

Williams was working in accounting, living a busy, active lifestyle in Florida. She went on a trip to New York City with her parents when, without any warning, she went into cardiac arrest in the middle of a bar.

She became unresponsive and didn't have a pulse for nearly two minutes.

Photo: YouTube/TODAY

Thankfully, two Good Samaritans in the bar happened to know CPR and immediately got to work on Williams. Their knowledge of CPR ended up saving her life.

She was rushed to the hospital, where she was put in an induced coma and diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Long QT Syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder that causes fast, chaotic heartbeats.

Photo: YouTube/TODAY

Williams underwent a successful surgery to get an implantable pacemaker and defibrillator.

"The experience initially left me in a state of constant fear of future episodes, but I knew deep down that I had gotten a second chance at life, and I wasn't going to waste it," Wiliams told TODAY. "So I embrace a new purpose - to educate others on heart health and encourage everyone to learn CPR, so there could be more stories with endings like mine."

Photo: YouTube/TODAY

Hear more of her inspiring story in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kM3aCj83aw

Ashley McCann

Growing up, Ashley always had a passion for writing. After receiving her Bachelor's in Journalism from Stony Brook University, she dove right into the professional world of content. When she isn't writing, she loves to read, travel, and explore the outdoors with her husband and two dogs.

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