Driver saves grandfather from heart attack while cycling by performing CPR until first responders arrive

New York found a new hero when a driver saved a cyclists grandfather from a heart attack.

Mark Reissig, a former teacher and grandfather of six from Walworth, is recovering due to the quick actions of a passerby.

In an interview with local ABC affiliate WHAM on October 3, Mark shared his story of a seemingly routine bike ride earlier this summer.

He was 16 miles in when he suddenly felt very tired, unaware that this was the start of a heart attack.

“I’ve had no prior indication of any health problems with my heart whatsoever. No family history of it, and so it was devastating,” Mark shared.

Mark was surprised that a health issue like this could affect him, considering he is a devoted athlete who cycles often.

He used to bike an average of 160 miles a week and has been doing it for 30 years as a triathlete.

With such a long history of cycling, the sudden heart attack felt even more shocking to him.

A Sodus resident, Molly Ames, noticed something was wrong as she drove by.

She saw that the grandfather looked distressed while getting off his bike, prompting her to stop and offer help.

“He seemed like he was struggling. And something in my head just told me that something wasn’t right,” Molly said.

Meanwhile, Mark described Molly as an ordinary citizen who noticed a stranger in trouble while driving by.

Without hesitation, she decided to help, opening her window and asking, “Are you okay?”

Mark remembered the urgent moments before passing out, telling Molly to call 911. Wayne County dispatcher Megan Williams then guided her through CPR.

Megan praised Molly for staying calm and being willing to help, emphasizing how important it was in that moment.

“That’s how it was able to get done,” Molly said.

The lady driver saves the cyclist’s grandfather from a heart attack by performing CPR for seven minutes.

When the first responders arrived, they successfully restarted Mark’s heart after he had been in cardiac arrest for nearly 30 minutes.

Molly expressed her hope that others would also take the time to stop and help in similar situations, just as she did.

“I would hope anybody would do that,” she said. “I really do. I would hope anybody would do that.”

Molly was honored for helping Reissig with a proclamation from the town of Walworth, which recognized her “heroic actions of administering lifesaving CPR.”

A Facebook post from the town also mentioned that she received a New York State Senate Citation from Senator Pam Helming.

In addition, Walworth expressed gratitude to dispatcher Megan Williams and Ontario Volunteer Squad medic Katie Cook for their important roles in successfully resuscitating Mark.

“She is and forever will be my hero,” Mark told WHAM of Molly.

He reflected on how Molly stepped in without hesitation to help a complete stranger at the perfect moment, making a significant difference in his life.

He expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging that no words or actions could fully repay her for her quick and selfless response.

Moreover, Mark said he hopes everyone takes the time to learn CPR.

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an essential lifesaving technique used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat stops, often during emergencies like heart attacks or near-drowning, as per Mayo Clinic.

It can mean the difference between life and death. The American Heart Association advises starting with firm, rapid chest compressions.

This hands-on approach is encouraged for everyone, from untrained bystanders to first responders, allowing help to be given quickly in critical moments.

CPR is essential for keeping oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until emergency responders can restart the heart.

When the heart stops, the body loses its oxygen supply, and brain damage can occur within minutes. Acting quickly with CPR can help prevent this.

Watch the story of the quick-thinking driver who saves cyclist grandfather from heart attack below: