Pilot survives heart attack thanks to Flight 1 and whole-person connected care
From ER to air to cath lab, a seamless system delivered lifesaving treatment in under 90 minutes.
ORLANDO, Fla. – When pilot David Hayes felt a strange tingling in his jaw on Easter Sunday, he had no idea he was about to become a powerful testament of how whole-person connected care saves lives.
What began as a quiet morning in 2024 quickly turned critical. The tingling spread to Hayes’ neck, back and chest. His wife didn’t hesitate: “We’re going to the ER.”
Once he arrived at AdventHealth Lake Nona ER, the emergency team moved fast, performing an EKG which confirmed Hayes was having a heart attack. From there, AdventHealth’s Flight 1 helicopter was dispatched to fly him to AdventHealth East Orlando, where doctors in the cardiac catheterization lab were prepped and ready to provide the critical care needed.
“Time is of the essence for our patients suffering from a heart attack,” said flight respiratory therapist Leigh Zeedyk. “We knew we had to act quickly to get him to the cath lab so they could save his heart.”
Less than 90 minutes after his first symptoms, Hayes was in recovery.
“They had a protocol, and they followed it perfectly,” he said. “Everybody knew what everyone was doing. It was seamless.”
More than a year after his heart attack, Hayes got the chance to reunite with some of the team who saved his life and share just how impactful their care had been.
“Thanks for taking care of me. Everything you did was perfect. And I’m still here, a year and a half later, talking about it.”
For Zeedyk, the reunion was deeply meaningful.
“It brought the entire journey full circle. From the ER to the air to the cath lab, this is what whole-person connected care looks like.”
David’s experience demonstrates how quick action from the AdventHealth care team helped him return home to the people he loves. It’s moments like these that remind us: every heartbeat holds a story, and every person deserves whole-person care — body, mind and spirit.
Heart attacks can happen without warning. Know the signs, act fast, and trust a team that’s ready for you. Click here to schedule a heart screening today to take the first step toward protecting your heart.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
After cancer changed the way food tasted, a Daytona Beach survivor found a way to help others
A book helped Phillip Sceiczina rediscover food after cancer treatment. Sceiczina passed the book along to help other patients.
News
Mental health support that meets college students where they are
Starting college is an exciting milestone. But it can also bring academic pressure, new relationships, greater independence and unfamiliar challenges.
News
Physician honored for faith, compassion and whole-person care across rural Appalachia
Longtime AdventHealth physician recognized for his commitment to faith, compassion and whole-person care in rural Appalachia.
News
5 months after an injury, this softball player was back on the field, achieving her dream
AdventHealth and Rothman Orthopaedics helped an local softball player get back on the field and live out her dreams with its system of connected care.
News
AdventHealth Littleton brings lifesaving training to Chatfield State Park
Free Stop the Bleed class helps Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers prepare for emergencies in the field and beyond.
News
Finding confidence and community during cancer treatment
After months of emotional upheaval and unexpected change, Christina Lee welcomed a chance to step away from cancer treatment and focus on herself.
Social Media Post
'To feel less alone': When mission brings comfort, connection and hope
At one of the lowest points in his life, a man noticed an AdventHealth behavioral health clinic and decided to walk in. That choice changed the direction of his life.
News
A critical emergency leads to lifesaving care and a grateful return
After a life-threatening emergency and 83 days of care, Charles Forth returned to AdventHealth Minneola to thank the team who gave him a chance.
Press Release
AdventHealth Sebring celebrates 14 residency graduates, strengthening the future of local care
AdventHealth Sebring recently celebrated 14 graduating resident physicians from its Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residency programs.
Press Release
ICU nurse honored for clinical excellence, commitment to patient safety
AdventHealth Hendersonville recognizes ICU nurse Julia Greer with a DAISY Award for clinical excellence, compassionate care and commitment to patient safety.
News
More room for care: AdventHealth Daytona Beach completes major expansion
The completed project includes more than 100 new inpatient rooms, adds a dedicated neuro-ICU and expands surgical and critical care services for patients.
Media Coverage
When is the right time for a hip or knee replacement? An orthopedic surgeon explains
Orthopedic surgeon Justin LaReau, MD, talks about when the time is right for a hip or knee replacement and advancements in joint replacement surgery.
