For ‘Lucky’ Patrick Lawless, Guardian Angels Were Everywhere!

HEALTH & MEDICINE SPOTLIGHT

Brevard, Florida man’s life saved thanks to series of fortunate events, celebrates 50th birthday in cardiologist’s office.    

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Melbourne resident Patrick Lawless is a lucky man.

Really lucky! 

Make that really, really, really, really lucky!  

This week, Lawless visited his Health First Medical Group cardiologist’s practice along with his wife, Angela, to celebrate his 50th birthday at a six-month health checkup.  

It’s a milestone birthday Lawless predicted years ago he’d never see because of a history of heart disease that runs deep in his family. 

“Patrick was incredibly lucky to experience a series of events and circumstances that led to him being in the right place at the right time, and we’re so fortunate today to have the opportunity to celebrate his good fortune with him,” said Health First Medical Group Interventional Cardiologist Thierry Momplaisir, MD.

“It’s not very often someone gets a second chance like Patrick did. But in one instant, he had a second, third, fourth and maybe even fifth chance. What better way to mark his survival and recovery than to host a 50th birthday celebration with our team here at Health First?”   

Lucky Stars and Guardian Angels 

December 14, 2022, was no different than most days for Lawless, who owned a landscaping and lawn service. But that all changed at the end of the afternoon when, while wrapping up his last customer’s lawn, he was struck – without warning – by a massive heart attack. 

And here’s where the stars began to align: 

Lawless immediately collapsed in the front yard where a neighbor and another Lawless client happened to see him crumpled on the ground. He contacted 9-1-1 and raced to Lawless’ aid. 

“Had this happened in the backyard or somewhere else at another time, I’m not sure anyone would have seen me in time,” said Lawless.

“And it happened to be another client of mine, a 94-year-old gentleman who, let’s just say, he ran over to me faster than I could believe. That man has the strength, energy and stamina of people decades younger… and he was speeding out of his house to help me. I’ll never forget that!” 

Lawless was nowhere near out of the woods, but here again, as luck – or divine intervention – would have it, the 9-1-1 call his rescuer placed was routed to a Palm Bay Fire & Rescue station that happened to be a mere two blocks away, aiding in the speed of his emergency care.

Arriving at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center, the emergency and trauma teams made dramatic efforts to save Lawless’ life and quickly deteriorating heart. It just so happened that his personal cardiologist, Dr. Momplaisir, was on call that day and was part of these life-saving interventions. 

After the clinical team stabilized Lawless, the “big one” hit, according to Dr. Momplaisir. 

“Patrick’s heart was so badly damaged by this point that even after we were able to get him stabilized, he had another massive coronary event. We worked on him throughout the night and, while he was very lucky to be found when he was, he was even more lucky to be in the hospital already, with the teams we have in place and the resources at our disposal,” said Dr. Momplaisir.  

‘Picked Me Up Off the Ground’

Lawless’ wife Angela tearfully recalls that day and the angst and uncertainty she felt. But she also remembered something else, as she was looking at Dr. Momplaisir.

“I remember falling on the ground in the hospital, just devastated,” said Angela Lawless. “And someone from the care team, I don’t remember who, picked me up off the ground.” 

“You [Dr. Momplaisir] came to visit me, and you talked to me and put me at ease,” she recounted, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’ll never ever forget that moment, from being comforted by the staff to my husband’s own cardiologist taking time to make sure I was tended to, as well.”

“Cardiology is a team sport that starts in our community through health education and care and continues through physicians’ offices and into the medical centers,” said Health First Medical Group Cardiologist John Hoyle, MD.

“It encompasses our great nursing staff, our physicians, our Cath Lab support, EMS, First Flight, all of the people – literally hundreds of people. We’re so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by such resources and expertise here at Health First and in Brevard County.” 

‘Not Take Your Health for Granted’

Patrick Lawless remembers very little after collapsing and being tended to by his client and the EMS team. In fact, his next recollection was waking up in an Orlando hospital, where he was transferred for more aggressive care and monitoring.

But if you think Lawless’ story of a timely and possibly miraculous rescue is the beginning and ending of a happy story, there’s more… 

Lawless was born at Holmes Regional Medical Center in 1974.  And he even spent time working at Holmes Regional on the nutrition team a few years back. 

But this whole story gets even more fateful considering Lawless predicted he’d never even see his 50th birthday years ago when he and Angela were dating. 

“Heart disease runs in his family and he’s lost numerous loved ones to it,” said Angela Lawless. “He even told me when we were dating ‘I don’t think you’re gonna want me. I’m not even going to make it to 50.’”

“When I was younger, I just felt invincible – like probably most guys. I knew about the history within my own family, but I always just figured I didn’t want to know what might be wrong with me,” said Patrick Lawless.

“When it’s my time, it’s my time, you know? But having a family and kids changed things a bit and, my wife pushed me to get checked out. Turns out in addition to needing to lose weight, I was looking at diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, you name it. So, with Dr. Momplaisir’s help, I started getting on the right path – more exercise, eating better. But the damage was already done and that’s what led to the heart attacks,” said Lawless. “I’m thankful to have a second chance and the opportunity to remind others to not take your health for granted. Make your visits, get checked out and take steps to avoid my experience.”    

Founded in 1995, Health First is Brevard County’s not-for-profit, community healthcare system. The fully integrated delivery network (IDN) includes health insurance plans, hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and outpatient and wellness services.

As a locally owned, not-for-profit organization, Health First is committed to investing in our community. In 2022, Health First provided more than $220 million in community support.

If you’re considering cardiovascular services, from heart rhythm and valve replacement to developing a personalized heart health plan, and to take a quick heart risk assessment, visit HF.org/heart.

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