AdventHealth Parker team members save a life at local race

PARKER, Colo. — What began as a typical race day quickly turned into a life-saving moment for three AdventHealth Parker team members at the Platte River Half Marathon on April 12.

As runners made their way through the course, Chief Operating Officer Erin Ward noticed a fellow runner just ahead and went to give him an encouraging pat on the back. Before Ward could reach him, the man veered off the trail and collapsed face-first.

“I was about to tap him on the back to encourage him,” he said. “Then, in an instant, everything changed. The moment I saw his face, I knew something was very wrong.”

Without hesitation, Ward called 911, working to describe their location along the river trail as clearly as possible.

At the same time, he called back to colleagues Antje Oudakker, director of nursing surgical services, and Scott Stanley, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, who were just behind him on the course.

Within seconds, the three were joined by others nearby and immediately sprang into action.

“There was no hesitation,” Oudakker said. “Our training kicked in, and everyone remained calm, focused, and acted quickly.”

Oudakker and Dr. Stanley began performing CPR while Ward coordinated emergency response.

For the next several minutes, a group of strangers, many with health care backgrounds worked together, rotating through CPR efforts until emergency responders arrived.

“It was incredible to see,” Ward said. “I felt an overwhelming sense of pride watching Antje and Dr. Stanley. Their focus, skill and determination were incredible to witness. It’s a moment I’ll carry with me -- it deepened my appreciation for what they do every day and inspired me to sign up for (a Basic Life Support course) myself. It really opened my eyes to how quickly something like this can happen and how being prepared can make all the difference.”

Though the race continued around them, the moment carried a profound weight.

“It was surreal,” Oudakker said. “He likely had the same anticipation for race day that I did. But in that moment, it became clear there was a reason we were there.”

Thanks to their swift action and the collective effort of those nearby, the runner’s life was saved.

In the days following the event, Dr. Stanley learned the man is expected to make a full recovery.

“He didn’t have any damage to his heart muscle and is already on the road to recovery,” Dr. Stanley said. “It’s incredible to know he may be feeling better than he has in years.”

For the team, the experience reinforced something deeper than training alone.

“This was a powerful reminder that our mission doesn’t stop at the hospital doors,” Ward said. “In that moment, it meant showing up, taking action and helping save a life right there on the trail. It showed me that being present and willing to step in can have a profound impact. AdventHealth is so much more than a place - it’s a community. Whether we’re inside the hospital or out in the world, that mission lives in us. It’s not just something we do at work -- it’s part of who we are.”

Oudakker echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.

“Cardiac events can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time,” she said. “Because people stepped in and responded without delay, a life was saved.”

Dr. Stanley added, “This is exactly why it’s so important for people to learn basic lifesaving skills like CPR. You truly never know when you might be in a position to help someone in need, and being prepared can make all the difference.”

The team hopes to reconnect with the gentlemen in the future, a moment that will undoubtedly bring this extraordinary experience full circle.

Their actions serve as a powerful reminder that compassion, skill and readiness don’t stop at the hospital doors -- they live within our team members, wherever they are.