Man survives heart attack thanks to son’s CPR, first responders
Philip Domencic is sharing his story of survival.
By Anne Shannon
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LEBANON COUNTY, Pennsylvania (WGAL) — A Susquehanna Valley school leader is sharing his story of survival, and you’ll only see it on News 8.
Cornwall-Lebanon Superintendent Philip Domencic has been an educator for more than 30 years, but he may have learned his most important lesson back in January.
He and his family want others to know the lesson too.
“It’s tough to talk about. Each time I talk about it, I think it’s going to get easier, but it doesn’t get easier,” Simon Domencic said.
The 21-year-old couldn’t hold back the tears.
“I mean, I knew it was bad from the jump,” he said.
Even months after his dad, Philip, had a massive heart attack, it’s hard to think about.
“I thought my dad was dead. Even when I was doing it, the CPR, I thought he was already too far gone,” Simon said.
“I don’t actually have a lot of memories of that day. It’s kind of foggy, really,” Philip said.
Philip doesn’t remember his son performing CPR for eight minutes or the seven times that first responders shocked him. He does know their actions saved his life.
“That’s just a blessing, and I just say by the grace of God that they were here, that everything happened,” Philip said.
He spent about a week in a hospital.
His wife, Amy, documented the journey – a journey she said friends, family, and faith got them through.
“I know that God was just holding me in the palm of His hand,” she said.
Philip is expected to fully recover. He goes to cardiac rehab at Penn State Health three days a week and has returned to work on a part-time basis.
During a school board meeting, he recognized the men and women who arrived at their home that night.
“Just thank you. Thank you for their responses. Thank you for being there. Thank you for their prayers. Just very grateful,” he said.
The family is also grateful for Simon, who learned CPR twice but never thought he’d use it.
“It’s pretty crazy. It’s like, how do you thank someone for saving your husband’s life. I hope he feels it. I’m so grateful, so grateful,” Amy said.
The Domencics know there are lessons to be learned from their experience.
They’d like everyone to learn CPR, saying you never know whose life you might save.
They’ve also learned to embrace every moment.
“I think it’s one of those times where you really get a check point. You get a second lease and a second chance at life, so that’s been an absolute blessing,” Philip said.
It’s a blessing this family is taking to heart.
“Oh, he’s here forever,” Amy said.
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