'It's An Amazing Thing': Man Reunites With Strangers Who Saved His Life At Midway Airport
CHICAGO (CBS)-- One year ago, a man suddenly collapsed at Midway International Airport and was near death because of a major blockage to his heart.
He's alive and well today thanks to a group of strangers who came to his rescue. On Sunday they re-united for the first time.
An EMT and a nurse came to Hutz Hertzberg's aid when he went into cardiac arrest while waiting for a flight.
Another EMT and nurse jumped in, too.
They all performed CPR and used defibrillators to bring his heart back to life.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he received a stent, and was placed on life support.
Three days later Hertzberg went home and made a full recovery.
On Sunday Hertzberg choked up as he thanked the daughter of one of his rescuers for her role in saving his life.
"It's an amazing thing," Hertzberg said. "You can't go through an experience like this without realizing that life is very fragile."
It is extremely rare for anyone to survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Hertzberg said since his experience he and his family pause every Saturday to thank God he's alive.