27-Year-Old Man Collapsed While Shopping and Blacked Out, Stranger Saved Him

COOKEVILLE, TN — A shopping trip turned into a life-or-death emergency when 27-year-old Zach Porter collapsed from cardiac arrest inside a TJ Maxx store, only to be saved by the quick response of a CPR-trained stranger.

Mike Brown, a CPR instructor, said he had reluctantly joined his wife on the shopping trip but decided at the last minute to enter the store. Moments later, he found Porter unconscious on the floor.

A Sudden Medical Emergency

Doctors said Porter had a history of heart surgeries that caused an electrical abnormality, eventually triggering sudden cardiac arrest that day.

Witnesses tried to get his attention, but Brown quickly stepped in and began administering CPR until paramedics arrived. “It was just kind of surreal to be honest with you because nobody was really doing anything except trying to get his attention,” Brown explained. “And so I just ran up and started doing CPR.”

Porter was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he spent 10 days in the ICU before stabilizing.

Life Saved by a Chance Encounter

When the two reunited later for a television broadcast, Porter expressed his gratitude: “He literally saved my brain, saved my life by just keeping my blood pumping, which is pretty great. I’m super lucky and it could have happened anywhere.”

Brown said he was glad his training allowed him to help in a critical moment. Both men have since encouraged others to learn CPR, noting that it can mean the difference between life and death.

Looking for Another Good Samaritan

While Brown played the central role in saving Porter’s life, Porter’s family is still searching for an unidentified woman who also helped by applying chest compressions during the emergency. They hope to thank her personally for her role in the rescue.

Do you think CPR training should be required in schools and workplaces? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.