Members of a South Carolina church are hailing an off-duty firefighter as a hero after he performed CPR on their pastor. On Sunday (Sept. 1), Socastee Family Worship Center in Myrtle Beach honored Chad Hughes for his part in saving the life of Pastor Chuck McElroy.
The incident took place on June 15. Hughes and his family were beginning their vacation from North Carolina and were at the same Walmart in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, where McElroy was shopping. Suddenly, McElroy collapsed as the result of a severe heart attack.
“It was not an ordinary visit to Walmart,” Hughes told WMBF. “I was on vacation. But, boy, it was an interesting start to a vacation.”
Hughes was alerted to the medical emergency when he heard screams. After rushing over to find McElroy’s lifeless body on the floor, McElroy immediately began performing CPR.
“God used him to revive me,” McElroy told WMBF.
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Of the incident, Hughes said, “This is the first time I’ve ever gotten to do this and see the result of what God did. And I really thank him for it.”
McElroy said that he was told by doctors that he was a part of “the 2% club,” as a vast majority of patients who experience the type of heart attack McElroy endured do not survive. McElroy added that even of those who survive, most suffer brain damage, but he did not.
“I’m here today as a living, walking, talking miracle,” McElroy said.
On Sunday, Socastee Family Worship Center honored Hughes and his family, presenting Hughes with a “certificate of heroism.”
“Well, praise the Lord,” McElroy said as he appeared onstage during the service. “God is so good.” McElroy went on to express gratitude for the love and support the congregation has shown him and his family in the wake of his heart attack.
, Socastee Family Worship Center in Myrtle Beach honored Chad Hughes for his part in saving the life of Pastor Chuck McElroy.){kind=link}