ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The city of St. Augustine plans to honor a group of first responders who helped save a man’s life when he suffered a medical emergency earlier this year at the Castillo de San Marcos.
Frank DeAngelo, who is from Ohio, collapsed on Sept. 14 during a family trip to the national monument in St. Augustine.
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His life was saved by Cpl. Jonathan Correa, Park Ranger Daniel Crabb, City Fire Engine 40 Lt. Mike Betts, Engineer Josh McKenzie, Firefighter Zach Huffman, SJCFR Rescue 41 Lt. Neil Mullens, Firefighter Mike Anhalt and Battalion Chief Hank Epperson.
Frank’s wife, Debbie, said his doctors told her that Frank had sudden cardiac arrest known as “sudden death.” Only 5% of people survive the medical condition.
The DeAngelos sent a letter on Nov. 19 to the St. Augustine City Commission, asking that Frank’s “guardian angels” be recognized for their heroism.
The letter described the DeAngelos “life-altering” trip to the Castillo.
They were visiting the historic city of St. Augustine with their daughter and son-in-law and decided to watch the cannon demonstration at the Castillo.
Debbie described the frightening moments.
“As he came to the top of the stairs he took four steps, and he just melted to the ground,” she said.
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Body cam footage shows the family hovering over Frank DeAngelo trying to figure out what was wrong.
In the letter, Debbie explained that the family thought Frank had slipped on wet pavement and hit his head.
“My husband has no health issues and is very physically active, so we were shocked when he dropped to the ground on the top of the fort,” she wrote.
She said Correa came over quickly when her daughter yelled for help and began CPR as Crabb retrieved the AED on site.
She said they took turns performing CPR until the AED could be activated.
Frank had to be shocked three times before they felt a pulse.
“As soon as I saw Frank, I knew that something wasn’t right,” Correa told News4JAX. “Unfortunately, I’ve had some experiences dealing with sick people.”
St. Augustine Fire and St. Johns County Rescue rushed Frank to the hospital, where he spent a week in the ICU at UF Flagler before receiving a stent. He then spent a week at Brooks Rehab in Jacksonville before they returned to Ohio.
Their children and 11 grandchildren were waiting for them. They will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary next year.
“If not for the quick reaction by Officer Correa, Ranger Crabb and the fire department/rescue squad, my husband would not be alive today,” Debbie wrote. “Because of their understanding of the situation that was occurring and speedy intervention in administering CPR, my husband is one of the 1% of individuals that not only survive a sudden death cardiac event but survive it with no neurological issues.”
Frank, who doesn’t remember most of the visit to the fort, passing out, or who saved his life, was reunited with his rescuers in October.
It was a tearful moment of gratitude for him and his wife. Frank said the men were his guardian angels.
“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “My family would be coming down here planning a funeral. Not be able to talk to me ever again. My grandchildren would never be able to see me again.”
In the letter to the Commission, Debbie said the rescuers are the true definition of “hero” to her family.
“Our family is so grateful for all who played a part in saving his life,” she wrote. “No amount of thanks could ever convey our relief that these people were there that day.”