First responders stress importance of learning CPR after saving a local father’s life

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — This Father’s Day could have looked much different for Chris Freeman’s family.

Two weeks ago, Freeman was playing hockey at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga. He was training for the 11 Day Power Play with his friends, including Ed Carney and Michael Bowen.

What started as a normal practice on the ice took a chilling turn when Freeman went into cardiac arrest.

“I was out playing hockey. I didn’t have any chest pain, I wasn’t tired,” Freeman said. “I really don’t remember the event when I passed out, but I just collapsed and that was the only warning that I had.”

Carney and Bowen are first responders and without thinking twice, they jumped into action to save their friend.

“Near the end, right at the end as we were getting done, one of our good friends seemed to go down with an injury,” NFTA Transit Police Officer Ed Carney said. “We come to find out that it wasn’t an injury, it was a heart attack.”

They realized they needed to do more than perform CPR.

“He was on his side, we had to flip him over, get his helmet off,” West Seneca Police Detective Lieutenant Michael Bowen said. “I could tell he wasn’t breathing and was starting to turn blue, established an airway for him and at that point in time, we just started chest compressions.”

Luckily, the rink had an AED available.

“It was really good team work,” Carney said. “They got us the AED as we were taking turns doing chest compressions. We got the AED on him and then revised and shocked him and I believe we did it three or four times before paramedics showed up.”

Freeman was taken to the hospital where doctors told him that because of his friends’ quick response, he was going to be ok.

“I have some sore ribs, did have 6 broken ribs because of the CPR, but I’m feeling fantastic,” Freeman said.

Ron Nowakowski, the rink’s manager, said they’ve kept an AED onsite for the last eight years and believes it’s crucial that facilities have one.

“We’re thankful that we have it,” Nowakowski said. “It’s probably one of the best additions we could have in any rink because you never know what’s gonna happen.”

Carney and Bowen said their first responder training played a huge role. They stressed how important it is that everyone learn these life-saving skills.

“Incredibly important to not only take the class, but continue to take it because usually, certifications are every 2 years,” Carney said. “Highly recommend it. I have a friend who’s walking around because of it.”

Freeman said this type of training should be taught in schools, that way people can save lives as his friends saved his.

“I realize how important it is to be trained because, yes, you can save a life and I’m a perfect example, I wouldn’t be standing here today if those two individuals didn’t know CPR,” Freeman said. “I’m here and I’m able to celebrate Father’s Day with my family because of it.”

Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.