Mechanical CPR saves Farmdale man's life - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

FARMDALE, Ohio - For Leonard Osborn and the Johnston Township Fire Department, hugs and handshakes are nothing short of a miracle.

"It was pretty much the best day of my life, besides my wedding, when Mr. Osborn came back to visit me," said Johnston Township Paramedic, Mary Kay Sly.

On July 21st, the 56-year-old went into cardiac arrest.  For 16 minutes he didn't have a heart beat.

"It happened so quick," said Osborn. "I've lost that whole day. I don't remember anything."

Emergency crews got to Osborn's home within four minutes and immediately started mechanical CPR with a new machine called the Thumper.

"This machine does two things at one time," explained Johnston Township EMT, John Williamson. "It does the CPR and it also breathes for the patient, so it frees up two people to do something else."

Johnston Township purchased two mechanical CPR devices with a FEMA grant at a cost of $12,000 each.

"It ensures consistent and quality CPR," said Sly.

For Leonard Osborn, that care helped him regain his pulse within 16 minutes - before he even arrived at the hospital.

"For the first time in 23 years of me doing EMS, this is the first time I have had a cardiac arrest that we got back," said Sly.

"I'm really grateful for the second chance," said Osborn.

Newton Falls is the only other fire department in Trumbull County that owns a Thumper.