Heart Attack Victims, First Responders Reunited In Burbank

BURBANK (CBSLA.com) — Two Angelenos who suffered heart attacks were reunited Thursday with the emergency medical teams that responded to their emergencies with life-saving care.

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters and paramedics along with emergency department teams were on hand at Providence St. Joseph's in Burbank for the reunion, according to LAFD spokesman Erik Scott.

11-year-old Kendall Stilwell, who can be heard on a 911 call taking CPR instructions after her grandmother, Rita Lovato, suffered a heart attack last summer, was also honored at the event.

KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports Lovato survived what officials say was a very close call.

"I was really happy that she made it," said Stilwell. "I thought I was really going to lose my Nana."

CBS2's Amy Johnson spoke with Sitwell, Steven Marczinko of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, who explained Stilwell's 911 call was one of the easiest he dealt with all year.

"She followed every instruction that I gave her down to the tee," Marczinko added.

Johnson reported Stilwell administered about three minutes of CPR on her grandmother before officials arrived at the scene.

The second victim, Kathy Lazarus, was only 51 and working out at the Fitness Club in Universal City gym two years ago when her heart suddenly stopped.

"Nothing lead up to it," said Lazarus.

There's only an 8 percent survival rate for people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, which is why fire officials encourage everyone to learn CPR.