Heart attack survivor reunited with Oviedo police officer who saved his life

A heart attack survivor reunited with the Oviedo police officer who saved his life.

Douglas Black, 71, suffered a heart attack at First Methodist Church in Oviedo on April 26, prompting a life-saving response from Oviedo Police Officer Chris St. John.

Officer St. John was working a traffic detail at the church when Black’s girlfriend, Kathy, flagged him down for help.

Body camera footage captured the intense moments as St. John performed CPR and used an AED to revive Black.

“Stay awake, sir. Stay awake, OK? Stay awake,” St. John said during the rescue.

After about five minutes, Black regained consciousness and was transported to Sanford HCA Hospital for treatment.

On Wednesday, Black reunited with Officer St. John to express his gratitude.

“Pretty close to being up in Heaven, but this gentleman over here,” Black said, as applause filled the room.

St. John credited his department’s training for preparing him to act in high-stress situations.

“Our training department here is phenomenal. Right. And they put us through a lot of high-stress situations, and how to act during high-stress situations. So when something like that happens, you're already ready for the moment,” St. John said.

Black said he is now in great health and expressed appreciation for his girlfriend’s support during the ordeal. He hopes his experience reminds others to pay attention to their body’s warning signs.

“If these gentlemen had not shown up and performed what they know how to do best, I wouldn’t be here right now,” Black said.