BRADENTON, Fla. — After suffering a heart attack that nearly killed him, a Bradenton man has committed himself to an important mission.
He is working to help get neighbors and co-workers more access to defibrillators and CPR training so they are prepared to save lives.
"One minute I was taking selfies and pictures, being in the outfield with a major league ball team. Next thing I know I'm laying on the ground and they're asking me my name and date of birth," said Ernie Withers, founder of Defibrillate Manatee Foundation.
In February 2023, Withers suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a Pittsburgh Pirates spring training event.
"Doctors had to come and apply an AED, one of these things, to bring me back. They performed CPR and then shocked me back to life," Withers said.
He suffered a second heart attack in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, but was resuscitated by paramedics again using an AED.
Withers was treated at Manatee Memorial Hospital and during his recovery phase he discovered that many nonprofit organizations in Manatee County don't have access to AED. His new lease on life spurred him to start a charity, Defibrillate Manatee, to raise money to give out free AEDs.
"Someone who suffers cardiac arrest has six minutes of oxygen left and CPR not being done or they don't have an AED accessible, the chances of that person surviving is very limited," he said.
In partnership with the Manatee Community Foundation, Wither's organization has been able to provide more than 60 defibrillators to the community and CPR certification to more than 100 people.
It has also provided 30 AED training simulators, 30 CPR training mannequins and 20 first aid kits to area non-profits including churches and law enforcement.
"The Police Department officers didn't have one in their patrol cars and I've got another campaign starting that we're going to be donating 11 to the Bradenton Fire Department," Withers said.
"I didn't realize how exhausting CPR was and being able to have a mannequin to practice on was really eye-opening," said Katie Alderman with Neal Communities.
Alderman was among more than 75 staff from Neal Communities who took part in a training session led by Withers.
The company has now donated $10,000 to help pay for free AEDs through the foundation. According to Alderman, the donation will fund around one-third of Defibrillate Manatee's current campaign for Manatee County School District, which includes 20 AED simulators, 20 CPR mannequin and 20 first aid kits.
"After going through the training, I do feel confident that if something were to happen I have the tools. I have the knowledge to be able to take action instead of just standing back," Alderman said.
"I'm on a mission, I am on a mission trying to help save lives just as they saved mine," Withers said.
The organization is also encouraging homeowners and residential communities to have a defibrillator on their property and learn how to use it.