The Miracle in Minneapolis at the UnitedHealthcare US OPEN

Zumbrota Resident Will Give Thanks Wednesday To Those Who Saved His Life

A Zumbrota man who suffered cardiac arrest at the 2013 UnitedHealthcare US OPEN Racquetball Championships last year will say thank you in person to the fellow players, Life Time Fitness Staff, Hennepin Emergency Medical paramedic responders and the doctor who helped to save his life.

Rick Schacht was just beginning his tie-breaking game at the UnitedHealthcare US OPEN Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis when he collapsed on the court. I was berating myself because I just couldnt seem to focus, he recalls. I remember being in the service box and feeling lightheaded. I said to myself, Good grief, you let yourself get out of shape, and now youre going to faint, said Schacht.

But Schacht didnt faint, he died. He had a cardiac arrest right on the racquetball court. No pulse. No respirations. Thats when a series of critical life saving events began to take place: the staff at Lifetime Fitness in St. Louis Park sprang to action and placed an AED on Schacht and someone called 911. A player competing on the next court over had a nitroglycerin pill in his racquetball bag and got it under Schachts tongue within seconds. The paramedics arrived and the Hennepin County Medical Center prepared its cardiac cath lab for his arrival.

According to HCMC cardiologist Dr. Fouad Bachour, national statistics show that nine out of 10 people who suffer this type of cardiac arrest, frequently referred to as the Widow Maker, dont make it. But Schacht is one of the lucky people who have their cardiac arrest witnessed by others. If he had been alone in his shop at home in Zumbrota, or out on a walk on his farm, the outcome would not have been the same.

The ceremony will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. inside the Life Time Fitness Target Center on the made-for-TV portable stadium racquetball court. All those involved will be in attendance for a brief recognition ceremony and media interviews will be available. For a preview of the racquetball action the UnitedHealthcare