Community Leader and Leadership Coach Survives Cardiogenic Shock

Jerry Ervin is a father, husband, motivational speaker and leadership coach from Ahwatukee, AZ. He lives an extremely healthy lifestyle and works out multiple times per week. When he began experiencing chest pain, he initially thought it was related to a past COVID-19 infection. While running on a treadmill at his local gym on June 16, 2022, his chest pain became so severe that he ended his workout early. Moments later, Jerry collapsed. Employees called 911 and began performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Jerry’s heart was shocked six times with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and CPR was performed for close to 30 minutes while he was transported by ambulance to Chandler Regional Hospital in Phoenix, AZ.

Jerry was brought to the catheterization lab in cardiogenic shock. Physicians removed a blockage and placed a stent. Once stabilized, he was sent to the ICU where he quickly decompensated with an ejection fraction of 10-15 percent. Jerry returned to the catheterization lab where Dr. Sunny Jhamnani implanted Impella CP® with SmartAssist® to allow his heart to rest. After three days of support, his heart function dramatically improved and Impella® was weaned and removed. Two weeks after collapsing at the gym, Jerry returned home to his wife, Allison, and three children.

Today, Jerry has a normal ejection fraction (55-60 percent) and he has returned to work full time. He is also teaching leadership courses at his local church and working with local community groups to help those less fortunate.