Los Angeles Fire Department

Man Who Suffered Heart Attack Reunites With People Who Helped Save His Life

For the first time since he suffered a heart attack outside El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, a 78-year-old man was reunited Wednesday with the people who sprang into action to help save his life.

Steven Shaw and his wife were at the theater asking for directions to another theater last December when he suddenly collapsed.

"He was passed out at the box office," said Michael Bandy, the manager of El Capitan Theater. "His wife was with him and she was very emotional."

Bandy immediately began administering CPR and Stella Teachout, an off duty-nurse, sprang in to help with chest compressions and to operate a heart defibrillator.

Bandy and Teachout continued to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived and rushed Shaw to Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center.

At an emotional reunion on Wednesday, Shaw expressed his gratitude for those involved.

"I'd like to thank everyone of these people standing here for saving my life," said Shaw. "Without these people I wouldn't be here today."

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Bandy,Teachout and others involved in the rescue were presented with an appreciation award by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

"It's obviously a life-impacting experience for Mr. Shaw, but it's also a life-impacting experience for me and the team of folks who were involved as well," said Bandy.

Shaw says since his experience, he and his wife have been dedicated to learning CPR.

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