News Summary
In February, during American Heart Month, Bowling Green resident Charlie O’Neal shares his life-saving experience with a STEMI heart attack. O’Neal, a former paramedic, recognized the alarming symptoms and sought immediate medical help at TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital. His swift actions, alongside the hospital’s efficient care, led to a rapid 58-minute door-to-balloon time for his treatment. O’Neal emphasizes the importance of understanding heart health and being proactive about personal well-being. His story is a vital reminder to prioritize heart health through awareness and regular check-ups.
Awareness is Key: A Heartfelt Story from Bowling Green
February is alive and buzzing with excitement as it is recognized as American Heart Month. This is a perfect time to focus on heart health, and one Bowling Green resident is stepping up to share his experience to help others.
Meet Charlie O’Neal
Charlie O’Neal, a lively 69-year-old former paramedic, knows a thing or two about emergencies. But nothing quite prepared him for what he experienced on December 7, 2024. While at home enjoying some spicy chips and renewing his paramedic license, he suddenly felt an intense, nagging chest pain. At first, he dismissed it as just some indigestion – a thought that many of us might have in a similar situation.
However, after 30 minutes of the discomfort creeping in, Charlie started to notice that this wasn’t your average tummy issue. The pain began to feel more alarming, and his instinct kicked in, prompting him to recognize that he was experiencing an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, commonly known as a STEMI heart attack.
Rushing to Help
With a sense of urgency, rather than panic, O’Neal made his way to TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, seeking the help he needed. It was a smart move as the clock was ticking, and every minute counts in these situations. Upon his arrival, an EKG was completed and analyzed within just 10 minutes. This quick response ultimately played a pivotal role in his care.
The attending physician quickly confirmed his fears – he was indeed having a heart attack. Following that, the code STEMI was initiated, summoning the cardiac Cath lab team to take action. O’Neal made the necessary call to reassure his wife of the situation, letting her know that despite the seriousness of the event, he felt comfortable with the care he was receiving at the hospital.
Fast and Efficient Care
Time was of the essence, and within 30 minutes of walking through the hospital doors, Charlie had undergone preparations for the procedure that would save his life. Remarkably, the cardiac Cath lab team achieved a door-to-balloon time of just 58 minutes – a hat tip to their efficiency and expertise. For comparison, the national goal for such procedures is 90 minutes, making this a remarkable feat!
A Triumph for Heart Health
Today, O’Neal is doing wonderfully and is back to his usual routine. His experience serves as a reminder of how important it is to recognize warning signs and to be proactive about health. He emphasizes the significance of having yearly physician visits, maintaining routine screenings, and being alert to any abnormal health signs.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health
Everyone can learn from Charlie’s experience. Health is precious, and we must take steps to safeguard it. Developing a positive rapport with a healthcare provider and regularly checking in on your condition can make all the difference.
As we continue to celebrate American Heart Month, let’s take a moment to raise awareness and appreciate our heart health. Take inspiration from Charlie O’Neal’s story, and remember that it’s never too late to prioritize your well-being. A simple chat with your doctor could help you avoid potential health scares and ensure that you live your best life. Stay healthy, everyone!
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital Saves Former Colleague’s Life
- Google Search: American Heart Month
- WTOL: Toledo Go Red for Women Luncheon 2025
- Wikipedia: Heart Attack
- ABC 13: American Heart Association Program Teaches Kids Importance of Heart Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heart
- Hattiesburg American: Southern Miss Basketball Coach’s Heart Attack
- Google News: Heart Health
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
