That episode changed my life:’ Man’s life saved after coworkers perform CPR during heart attack

Every 34 seconds, someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

This weekend, thousands of people are expected to participate in the Atlanta Heart Walk to raise awareness about heart disease and the importance of CPR training.

For Bobby Hunt, the event's mission is personal.

Hunt says his life was saved during a 2025 meeting at Atlanta Gas Light when coworkers recognized he was suffering a second heart attack and immediately stepped in to help.

"That episode changed my life," Hunt said.

Many of the employees in the room had been trained in CPR. Doctors told Hunt their quick response played a critical role in helping him survive and return home to his wife and two children.

"I continuously see them. I'm thanking them, but I understand there's not enough gratitude," Hunt said.

Katie Schijffelen, executive director of the American Heart Association Atlanta, said creating more lifesavers through CPR and AED training is a major focus of the organization.

"We want to create a nation of lifesavers so that people feel comfortable to step in and intervene," Schijffelen said.

She said most cardiac arrests happen away from hospitals, making bystander intervention critical.