Heart attack survivor Andrew Overlee meets all his heroes together for the first time
Reunion with Good Samaritan and care team on May 24 at 10:00am.
Andrew Overlee has never met the person who saw him collapse from a heart attack and helped save his life in late December. He arrived at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital unconscious and as a John Doe. He’s been able to piece the story together from the accounts of first responders and his care team at Brandon Hospital ever since. Now, he’ll get to see everyone together for the first time.
For the first time, he will also meet Jake O’Brien, his good Samaritan outside the ambulance entry at Brandon Hospital on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:00am. The community will gather for this beautiful reunion and hear about the life saving efforts of Drew’s hero as well as the paramedics, firefighters and care team who responded that day.
Drew went into cardiac arrest while on a run a few days before Christmas and a few days before his 64th birthday (both of which he celebrated at Brandon Hospital). He dropped to the ground near a business on Bloomingdale Avenue. Bystanders saw it happen and O’Brien ran over to help. Drew had stopped breathing and had no pulse. One onlooker called 911 and O’Brien started CPR. It was his first time ever giving CPR, a skill he learned during a class training in college a few years ago.
Paramedic, Lieutenant Tobi Porter, happened to be right around the corner with the ambulance and arrived within minutes. Captain Brandon Yates and his firefighter team on Engine 7 was close by at the time of the emergency too.
Drew arrived at Brandon Hospital and his identity was not known until he was finger printed. As soon as he was identified, his wife was immediately contacted about the emergency.
A few days after his heart attack, Drew celebrated his birthday at Brandon Hospital. Captain Yates, Lt. Porter and the Brandon Hospital Cath Lab team were all in attendance for the momentous birthday celebration.
Drew remains grateful to be alive due to the efforts of a Good Samaritan, first responders and the cardiac care team at Brandon Hospital.
“In the event of a heart attack, rapid response and CPR training to the emergency is critical to saving lives. After hearing this story, it reinforces the importance of CPR training in our community so everyone can be prepared in a cardiac emergency,” said Brandy Provencher, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Brandon Hospital.
“When I saw Drew on the ground, all I thought was he needed help. In the moment, I was glad I knew what to do. I remember calling my mom and saying that I thought he might survive. I didn’t even know his name. I was in a bit of shock about the whole incident at the time. Now, I’m just happy that I was able to help save Drew’s life and encourage others to get CPR trained,” said Jake O’Brien, the Good Samaritan that responded when Drew collapsed from a heart attack.
Speaking at the reunion:
- Drew and Tammy Overlee, Heart attack survivor and his wife
- Tobi Porter, paramedic and lieutenant
- Jake O’Brien, Good Samaritan
- Tripp Owings, CEO, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital
Media are invited to witness the moment Andrew (Drew) Overlee meets his heroes, as well as hear from the paramedics, firefighters and care team that responded that day. As part of the event, there will also be a special surprise recognition ceremony.