Michael Cook, a UF professor in the Rinker School of Building Construction, was taken to Shands at UF Saturday after he had a heart attack at the Southwest Recreation Center.
He was saved thanks to the combined rescue efforts of students, Southwest Rec staff and paramedics.
Cook and UF senior Brando Fetzek were playing racquetball when Cook said he needed to take a break.
After Cook left the court three UF students found him lying on the ground, unmoving.
David Feinstein, one of the students and a certified lifeguard, started performing CPR.
“My adrenaline kicked in,” Feinstein said. “I kept my composure and just kept going.”
He received help from another student and Southwest Rec employees.
Feinstein’s friends, Steve Reiss and Josh Rubin, ran to get help from Southwest Rec staff members and had someone call 911.
After CPR was administered, Ian Proctor, the Southwest shift superviser, said an automated external defibrillator (AED) was used to administer a shock to restart Cook’s heart.
After the shock, Cook had a pulse but was not conscious.
Paramedics showed up about 10 minutes after the students and staff began their rescue efforts.
Fetzek said Cook is still in Shands but is doing well.
“He is acting like himself and telling jokes,” he said.
He will be out of the hospital within the next few days, Fetzek said.
