As a former paramedic, John Palumbo knows that moments matter in a medical emergency. Palumbo is alive today thanks to the quick actions taken by athletic trainers at Seton Hill University.

On Feb. 10, Palumbo was in the McKenna Center to cheer on senior men's basketball player Ryan Meis when he collapsed. He had suffered what is known as a widow-maker heart attack - one that only about 12 percent of people survive. That's when Independence Health System athletic trainers contracted by Seton Hill came to his rescue.

Seton Hill Head Athletic Trainer Trevor Lotz, trainer Nicole Markiewicz and Clarion Athletic Trainer Dave Snowberger came together to administer CPR, deploy an AED and resuscitate Palumbo. Paramedics took him to Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital, and after surgical intervention, he was released.

Palumbo attended the men's basketball team's Senior Day on February 24 to thank Lotz and Markiewicz and celebrate his new lease on life. 

You can read more of his story in this Tribune-Review article and watch a video of the pre-game ceremony honoring the trainers here.

Photos by Barry Reeger. Video by Mike Gallagher.