Steven Lome, DO, a medical director at Montage Medical Group, only had plans to run a half marathon with his two teenage sons. Instead, he completed the race and saved two men from cardiac arrest, U.S. News reported Feb. 20.
Dr. Lome was 3 miles into the Monterey Bay Half Marathon when a runner 30 feet ahead of him collapsed. He and two others took turns performing CPR until an automated external defibrillator arrived six minutes later. A single shock restored the man's heart rhythm.
Dr. Lome called the cardiologist who would treat the man, passing on details of the situation. Once done, he continued the race, hoping to catch up to his sons, who were miles ahead.
Moments after crossing the finish line, he heard a panicked voice cry for help. Another man had collapsed after cardiac arrest. Dr. Lome started CPR by himself and a minute later, used an AED to restore the man's heart rhythm. Dr. Lome redialed the same cardiologists to tell him about the next incoming patient.
"I think he didn't believe me," Dr. Lome told U.S. News, laughing as he recalled their conversation.
Afterward, Dr. Lome went off to collect his medal and find his sons. Both men reportedly recovered and are in good health.