Pasadena Mayor Thomas Schoenbein is back at work at city hall and was welcomed back today by some of the first responders who helped save his life just a week and a half ago.
Memorial Hermann Life Flight Nurses Michelle Bourgeois and Destiny Young joined several members of the Acadian EMS Pasadena team in surprising the mayor today and wishing him well in his recovery.
These crews were among those who responded to Pasadena City Hall August 4 when Schoenbein had what he now reveals was a “cardiac arrest”.
Schoenbein says the medical episode occurred during a meeting in the office of his Chief of Staff, James Holt, who previously worked as a police officer. Schoenbein describes losing consciousness while sitting at a table and how he learned later that Holt and others called 9-1-1 and began CPR. Another Pasadena police officer who heard the call on the radio also responded, quickly climbing six flights of stairs to get to the Mayor and assist with treatment.
Acadian EMS and Memorial Hermann Life Flight responded and Schoenbein was flown to Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center.
He was stabilized and a few days later a cardiologist implanted a pacemaker/defibrillator in his chest. Doctors have cleared him to return to work.
Schoenbein is thankful for the care he received from all involved.
He spoke with his wife, Bonnie, by his side. The couple is looking forward to celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary in October. He has 2 children and 3 grandchildren and looks forward to spending time with them all in addition to fulfilling his duties as Pasadena Mayor.
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