'I could either be dead or a vegetable' | Louisville man opens up about how CPR saved his life

A Louisville man is recovering from a heart attack, and he's not even 35 years old.

"I could either be a vegetable or dead," Eric Boorman said.

At just 34 years old, Boorman survived a heart attack. He was at work in January when it happened.

"My hands and feet were cold," Boorman said. "I leaned back and apparently stopped breathing."

He regained consciousness in Baptist Health a few days later, unsure of what happened.

"The first thing I thought about, honest to God, was my family," Boorman said.

That's when he learned his co-worker, who was in the military, saved his life using CPR. It kept blood flowing to his brain while his heart stopped beating.

"I can't emphasize enough that every second counts, Jason Miller, a doctor with Baptist Health Rehabilitation Hospital, said. "Anyone can do (CPR). Anyone can perform chest compressions."

According to the CDC someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Dr. Miller said there are signs to look out for, including chest pain, pressure, tightness, or burning. People can also experience pain the the neck, back, jaw, and arm.

"Specifically the left arm," Miller said.

There's also often shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. However, there are ways people can help themselves when those symptoms start.

"Taking a baby aspirin and calling 9-1-1," Miller said. "We should never wait."

Boorman's world revolves around taking care of his brother and his elderly father, so a fast recovery is his priority. But his doctors said that journey could take a year or two.

"I just have really bad nerve damage," Boorman said.

He hopes sharing his story pushes others to learn CPR, because you never know whose life you could save.

"I never thought I would go under some health issues myself."