WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — In a sudden turn of events, what started as a good-natured round of golf quickly turned into a dire need for lifesaving measures.

On June 21, 2024, Dale Hughes’ life was saved when a quick-thinking bystander administered CPR after he suffered a severe heart attack while playing golf.

Now, he’s encouraging others to get a jumpstart on lifesaving training of their own.

“We were playing golf, and we were on one hole, and the guys that actually came and did the compressions were on the hole over from us,” Hughes said. “Once they noticed that something was definitely wrong… They came over, and then they started compressions. And, how do you thank them?”

Though they didn’t know how to truly thank the people who helped save Hughes’ life, his wife Janet started by dropping off cookies to the first responders who helped that day.

The heroic act not only prevented a tragedy but also showcased the power of timely intervention in medical emergencies.

Once emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they took over, continuing CPR and shock treatment as Hughes went without a pulse for 16 minutes.

“Even if you don’t know exactly what to do, you can start doing what you think you know and then call 911,” Hughes said. “They can help you do whatever they need to do until the professionals get there. Honestly, if we’d waited till the professionals got there, I wouldn’t be here.”

But, because of the heroism shown that day, Hughes was able to walk out of the hospital less than a week later on his own — a true walking miracle.

With CPR and other medical training, ordinary individuals can become heroes, saving lives and making a difference.

The YMCA of Wichita Falls offers CPR and first aid certification classes, along with several other safety classes. To learn more, visit their website .

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