Elderly Dancer Survives Cardiac Arrest, Returns to Dance Floor
Boaz Lifshitz, a 74-year-old from Kiryat Ono, collapsed during a rehearsal of a dance troupe due to cardiac arrest. Fellow dancers immediately performed CPR and used a defibrillator located at the venue, which successfully restarted his heart after a single electric shock. Lifshitz, a veteran member of the 'Yitzugit Darom HaSharon' dance group, regained consciousness and was subsequently hospitalized.
During the rehearsal, Dr. Dan Kert, a physician and Lifshitz's dance partner for 17 years, was present. He and other troupe members called emergency services, with MDA paramedic Tomer Garbatzky guiding them through resuscitation efforts over the phone and dispatching medical teams. Dr. Kert recalled telling Lifshitz during the resuscitation, 'After you recover, you must return to the troupe.'
The defibrillator, provided by MDA and installed by the Darom HaSharon Regional Council, was crucial in reviving Lifshitz. MDA paramedic Yishai Reuben, who arrived first on the scene, noted that Lifshitz was already waking up upon his entry. Reuben emphasized that the quick response of the troupe members, the guidance from MDA's emergency call center, and the defibrillator were all vital in saving Lifshitz's life.
Lifshitz was transported to the hospital, gradually regaining full consciousness. He reportedly argued with medical staff, insisting he felt well enough to be discharged. After his recovery and release, Lifshitz met with Tomer Garbatzky, the paramedic who guided the resuscitation, expressing his gratitude. He has since returned to dancing, describing his progress as good, and humorously noted that he merely 'fell asleep' while everyone else worked to save him.
The defibrillator used in Lifshitz's rescue had reportedly been used to save another person from cardiac arrest just a week prior at the same location. Uri Pedlon, CEO of the Darom HaSharon Regional Council, highlighted the importance of the device's accessible placement. Lifshitz and Garbatzky concluded their reunion by dancing together on the rehearsal floor.
