Pulmonary Embolism Response Team saves 42-year-old Father of Four

While in physical therapy for a hip fracture, Corey started experiencing dizziness and shortness of breath. After stating he never experienced a feeling like this, his physical therapist called 911.

“The last thing I remember was a firefighter asking me what was wrong, then I woke up in the hospital,” Corey said.

The shortness of breath Corey was experiencing was due to a pulmonary embolism which was caused by blood clots in his lungs. Corey's heart couldn't keep up with the strain of these clots, causing him to lose consciousness. Shortly after arriving at the emergency department, Corey went into cardiac arrest.

Don’t wait, go straight to the ER

Don’t delay care — even now. If you or someone you love is experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain and lightheadedness, it’s important to seek immediate, life-saving care. Ascension Wisconsin care teams are here for you with emergency care and advanced specialty heart and vascular care.

When Corey came into the emergency department, the Ascension Wisconsin emergency care team worked to stabilize him. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team, known for providing rapid, individualized care, was notified and responded immediately. The team, which is made up of intensivists, interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, rushed to the emergency department to deliver life-saving therapies.

For several hours the team worked to stabilize Corey. They helped to dissolve the clots and used advanced equipment to support his breathing and heart function. After five days in the hospital, Corey was able to go home to be reunited with his family.

“Corey had an outstanding recovery and was completely neurologically intact, thanks to all the different teams coming together to provide him with the best possible care,” said Sasanka Jayasuriya, MD, interventional cardiologist. “A well-organized and dedicated multidisciplinary team approach is the reason that patients who are critically ill, such as Corey, have great outcomes.”

Compassionate, personalized care — even in an emergency

At 42 years old and a father of four, Corey is thankful for the care he received at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee.

“I’m happy to be here and to be alive,” Corey said. “I’m walking a lot, taking care of myself and back at work.”

Getting the right care at the right time is critical for your health. Don’t delay emergency care. The skilled heart specialists and surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin are here when you need heart and vascular care. Whether you're coming to us with a cardiac emergency, or we're monitoring and treating a chronic condition, our care starts by listening to understand you. Then we're able to deliver the care that's right for you. With cardiologists, vascular specialists, electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and other heart specialists trained in the latest heart care testing, treatment and procedures, and as part of a national network, you have access to advanced heart care close to home.

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