The Ohio State Highway Patrol is awarding several people for their quick thinking that saved a jogger’s life.
Jerry Fowle suffered a heart attack while out on a jog in Grafton Township in July.
“I was moving along, and three miles out, I felt like I was going to pass out,” he said.
Michelle Dostall and her fiancé, Paul Signorelli, saw him lying on the road and took action.
“I will admit I was very panicked,” said Michelle Dostall, who is currently a nursing student.
She said it was her first time administering CPR on a human.
Then, five minutes later, Sgt. Timmothy Hoffman with the Ohio State Highway Patrol arrived. The trooper, who works for the highway patrol’s Elyria Post, used a defibrillator for the first time on the job.
Together, they kept Jerry Fowle's heart beating until paramedics arrived. Jerry did not have his ID and was taken to the hospital as John Doe.
Meanwhile, his wife hadn't heard from him for hours after he left for his run. She said she knew something was wrong.
“I called friends. Have you heard from him? I went on Facebook, he hadn't done any postings. I found his phone on his nightstand,” said Beverly Fowle.
Jerry Fowle spent weeks in intensive care, but he made a full recovery thanks to the staff at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center.
Michelle Dostall, her fiance and Sgt. Hoffman were awarded a certificate of recognition from Ohio State Highway Patrol for their quick responses. They also thanked the medical staff at University Hospitals, calling Fowle’s recovery a team effort.
Sgt. Hoffman said he was very happy to receive an update on Fowle’s condition, which does not happen often in his line of work.
“You don't really get to hear much more about ‘the afterwards,’” Hoffman said. “So, to see Jerry stand there today, that feels great.”
Michelle Dostall added that she and Jerry have become good friends, since the incident, thanks to their shared love of horses. His wife said she is very grateful to everyone who helped save her husband.
“Stepping back, taking a breath and being thankful for what you have,” said Beverly Fowle.
Fowle said he is also learning to appreciate life more since the close call.
“Got a couple puppies since then, and they're keeping me busy,” he said. “I like walking and things like that, so just enjoying life.”
