Petaluma Cardiac Arrest Survivor Honored at North Bay Heart Walk

Petaluma resident Russ Giles served as the featured survivor at Sunday’s North Bay Heart Walk at Sonoma State University, just two months after surviving a sudden cardiac arrest.

The Press Democrat reports Giles collapsed following a beach trip in Clearlake, but survived thanks to immediate chest compressions performed by his wife Robin, a former CPR instructor.

More than 400 participants gathered for the American Heart Association fundraiser, which aims to boost community awareness and CPR training across the Bay Area. Health officials emphasize that 90 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are fatal, making immediate bystander response crucial to saving lives.

Giles kicked off the 5K walk by beating a drum on stage to symbolize his beating heart before joining crowds on the campus route.

Organizers praised the event’s strong local turnout, emphasizing the power of community support for heart disease survivors and their families.