Stephanie Lentell and her family call Michael their “Little Iron Man.” They coined this superhero nickname to help the child understand the medical device he has in his stomach to keep his heart beating.
Four years ago, her husband Brion called 911 while Stephanie started CPR when he found Michael unconscious at the top of the stairs. Michael’s body was limp, and he was only taking breaths every 20 seconds. South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Paramedics arrived quickly and took over CPR. They used a defibrillator to shock and stabilize Michael’s heart before rushing him to the hospital where doctors discovered he had an irregular heart rhythm that was later identified as part of Timothy Syndrome, Type 2.
“It’s a fact that EMS saved Michael’s life,” said Lentell. “I’m thankful that we had such a program with paramedics who knew what to do for my son.
Today, Michael is a happy and healthy 7-year-old who loves to bike, go as high as he can on swings and his trampoline, and play with his sister, brothers and dogs. He recently learned he loves the beach and body surfing when the family moved to Florida.
Stephanie used her experience to become a certified CPR instructor and teach others. She taught teachers CPR in the South Kitsap schools, and remains a certified instructor today.
