A son helps save his father after a heart attack

When 42-year-old Israel Chavez collapsed in his yard on an ordinary afternoon, there was no warning. He had spent the day with his family, planting asparagus in the garden and enjoying time together. Then, in an instant, he became unresponsive. His face turned blue. His heart had stopped.

That’s when his son, Jaden, sprang into action.

With guidance from a 911 dispatcher, Jaden started CPR—despite never having performed it himself. He kept up chest compressions until first responders arrived, helping preserve blood flow to Israel’s brain and vital organs.

Advanced heart care when it mattered most

Israel was rushed by EMS to Ascension Seton Williamson in Round Rock, Texas, and taken directly to the cardiac catheterization lab, where interventional cardiologist Sergio Montano, Jr., MD, was ready and waiting. Dr. Montano discovered a 100% blockage in a major artery supplying the front of Israel’s heart, which caused him to have a massive heart attack that led to cardiac arrest.

“Every minute matters,” said Dr. Montano. “For every minute without CPR, the chance of survival drops significantly. Immediate bystander CPR made all the difference.”

Dr. Montano worked quickly to open the blocked artery, but Israel’s condition remained unstable. His blood pressure dropped, and he developed life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. Multiple times, the team had to perform CPR and deliver shocks to restart his heart. Stents were placed to restore blood flow, but his heart continued to struggle.

Israel was then met by the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) care team and transferred to Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin, a Gold Level Center of Excellence by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. This recognition reflects the high-volume program and the care team’s strong commitment to advanced, high-quality ECMO care.

Israel’s heart needed some help, and his care team used ECMO, which is an advanced life-support technology that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs. By oxygenating blood outside the body, ECMO allows these organs to rest and recover.

While the procedure typically takes about an hour, Israel’s case required more than seven hours.

“This was the ultimate team effort,” Dr. Montano said. “Emergency responders, EMS, cath lab staff, ICU teams, ECMO specialists—everyone working together with one goal: to save his life.”

Waking up to a second chance

Israel has no memory of the cardiac arrest or the days leading up to it. Nearly a week later, he woke in the cardiovascular ICU at Ascension Seton, surrounded by caregivers and loved ones.

“I just remember feeling like I was in an envelope of care,” he said. “It was amazing—I felt love coming from all corners of the room.”

After more than two weeks in the hospital, he was discharged to rehabilitation. When he finally met Dr. Montano in person, Israel insisted on standing to shake his hand, even though he hadn’t been out of bed for weeks.

“Thank you for not giving up on me,” Israel said.

Dr. Montano replied, “I couldn’t give up when you were fighting that hard. There had to be a reason to keep going.”

A hero at home

Care teams often say the true hero in Israel’s story is Jaden. Without immediate CPR, Israel’s chance of survival would have dropped dramatically before first responders even arrived. Instead, Jaden’s quick thinking helped preserve his father’s brain function and gave the hospital team a fighting chance.

Now, inspired by that moment, Jaden feels called to pursue a career in emergency medicine.

“It doesn’t scare me anymore,” Jaden said. “It feels like hope.”

A community commitment to life-saving care

Israel’s survival reflects the strength of coordinated emergency response and advanced heart care available at Ascension Seton. Providing complex care, from cardiac catheterization to ECMO, requires highly trained teams, advanced technology and a deep commitment to serving the community.

“It takes teamwork. It takes resources. It takes heart,” Dr. Montano said. “When you see someone walk out of the hospital who shouldn’t have survived, you’re reminded exactly why we do this work.”

Today, Israel is back home with his family, grateful for every day.

“People are not replaceable,” he said. “I’m thankful for everyone who chose not to give up.”

If you or a loved one are at risk for heart disease or want to learn more about advanced heart care services, Ascension Seton cardiology teams are here for you. From preventive heart screenings to emergency and complex cardiac procedures, our specialists are committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care close to home.

Learn more about advanced heart care or find an Ascension Seton heart specialist near you.

If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.