St. Petersburg, Fla. – Michael Warner, a longtime participant in the St. Anthony’s Triathlon, faced a life‑threatening cardiac arrest during the April race. After being pulled from the water by St. Petersburg Police and Fire Rescue, he was rushed to St. Anthony’s Hospital where first responders and medical staff performed multiple shocks to restore his pulse.
Warner spent a day at St. Anthony’s before being air‑lifted to the intensive care unit at St. Joe’s Hospital in Tampa as his condition worsened. Complications included pneumonia, sepsis and a staph infection caused by water, sand and shells entering his lungs.
Emotional reunion
On Friday, Warner, his wife and their young daughter met the rescue crew at the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue headquarters. The family expressed deep gratitude, noting the extraordinary skill and compassion of the responders. “There were thousands of things that have gone right, and I am humbled by these incredible acts,” Warner said.
In recognition of their service, the first responders received awards, and Warner presented each of them with a pin he designed—a heart with waves, a flatline, and the words “no one survives alone.”
Recovery and thanks
Warner remained hospitalized for just over a week. Medical staff credited his rapid recovery to his triathlon training, his age, and the swift actions of the emergency teams. The story underscores the vital role of local first responders and healthcare professionals in saving lives and supporting community members in crisis.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
