FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — If someone saves your life, you might first thank god, then the person or people who helped.
A Forsyth County man did that.
Johnny Martin went into cardiac arrest in June.
His wife jumped in to do CPR until firefighters and EMS got there to take over.
Martin said he didn't realize how much it actually takes to save someone's life and he's grateful for the outcome.
"It makes me feel great to meet these people and to thank 'em personally. Some of them I gave a little hug to. I feel like I owe them my life," said Martin.
As a thank you for starting CPR, Martin bought his wife a new car.
He said he knows he got lucky.
Piney Grove Fire Chief, Carl Walker, said people who go into cardiac arrest only survive about 9% of the time.
He said something else about this situation is unique.
"I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have talked to a survivor - someone I've actively worked with and done CPR on. It is rare for us, and I've been in the business for over 30 years,"
He said anyone who wants to learn CPR, can go to a fire station to do so.
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