John Lowe, an IT professional at Baylor University, didn’t sign up for CPR training because he expected a tragedy at home. He took a Basic Life Support (BLS) class thinking he might one day need to help a colleague, a student, or a stranger on campus.
That “someday” arrived in November 2024, but not in a sterile office or a busy hallway. It arrived at 1:00 AM in his own bedroom.
John was awakened by what sounded like unusually loud snoring—a sound known as agonal gasping, which often occurs during cardiac arrest. His wife, Angie, was unresponsive. Her lips were turning blue. Drawing on the training he had received just eight months prior, John immediately began chest compressions while on the phone with a 911 dispatcher.
Despite the fear and the physical exhaustion of performing six minutes of continuous CPR, John’s training kicked in. He remembered the depth (2 inches) and the rhythm (100–120 beats per minute) necessary to keep blood flowing to Angie’s brain. When paramedics arrived and took over with a defibrillator, John’s early intervention had already done the heavy lifting.
Today, Angie is not just a survivor; she is thriving. She has since returned to her work as a dyslexia expert and has even taken up running and weightlifting. The Lowe family has turned the event into a mission, with their daughters also becoming CPR-certified. As Angie puts it: “Those seconds counted, and there’s just no telling what the outcome would have been if he would have just waited.”
Are You Prepared to Act?
John Lowe’s story proves that you don’t need to be a doctor to save a life—you just need the training to act when every second counts. If you are in the Lowcountry, now is the perfect time to gain that confidence.
The Realm Group is hosting upcoming AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Classes right here in Summerville, SC. These courses are designed for healthcare providers, first responders, and anyone who wants to be a “lifesaver” in their own community.
Upcoming Class Details:
- Location: The Trolley Room, Summerville, SC (or Reforged Gaming Lounge in nearby North Charleston)
- Upcoming Dates: * Saturday, May 9th: 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
- Sunday, May 24th: 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
- What You’ll Learn: High-quality CPR for all ages, AED use, and effective team dynamics.
Don’t wait for an emergency to realize you aren’t prepared. Whether it’s for a coworker, a neighbor, or your own spouse, the skills you learn today are the greatest gift you can give to the people in your life.
Ready to get certified? Visit www.therealmgroup.net or email [email protected] to secure your spot.