SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A Lehigh Valley man is fully recovered after surviving a ‘widow-maker’ heart attack in his living room.

Monday, the volunteer firefighters who resuscitated him received a life-saving commendation from the township.

On January 18, Debbie Herlinger watched her husband Tim collapse. With no pulse and no breath, she had to act immediately.

“Pulled him out of the chair because I knew I needed him flat,” said Debbie Herrlinger. “I got him and held him up so his head wouldn’t hit. And I started CPR. Greenawalds showed up. One of the firefighters picked me up, the police officer and said, ‘we got him, we got him.’”

Debbie’s CPR compressions bought critical time for the crew from Greenawalds Fire Rescue, who arrived knowing that in a cardiac arrest, every second counts.

“Minutes truly do matter,” said Greenawalds Fire Chief Andrew Garger. “With a team effort, we kind of operate as a pit crew and we all have different jobs, and we keep that high-quality CPR going for as long as possible.”

The crew shocked Tim four times with an AED. Doctors later confirmed he had a 100% blockage in his LAD artery, known as a widow maker.

“I’m very fortunate. First because I have her, but also because we live in a community with these wonderful, wonderful, giving people,” said Tim Herrlinger.

Monday night the township formally presented the crew with a life-saving commendation. A well-deserved honor for the volunteer firehouse.

“It’s not very often that we get to see somebody walk back into the firehouse after being in cardiac arrest,” said Chief Garger. “It’s very rewarding. We have a very supportive board of commissioners in the township. But it’s even more special when they get to see the results of the support that they give us and have a good outcome like we did here.”

Tim walked in completely healthy, with a little bit of soreness and a whole lot of gratitude.

“I’m kind of surprised that I’m here. I’m glad I’m here,” said Tim. “Four cracked, one broken rib. But I’m very happy and thank you for breaking my ribs, dear.”

Watch a video or take a CPR class, that is the biggest takeaway from both the fire chief and Herrlingers; saying that every minute helps.