Mobile, Ala. – When 48‑year‑old soccer referee Brock Cole’s heart stopped beating on the field at Trione Park in Daphne on Oct. 11, a rapid response saved his life and sparked a new mission to protect his community.
Video captured the moment Cole collapsed during the match. Dr. Christopher Malozzi, a cardiologist with USA Health, was on a neighboring field and, along with other volunteers, began CPR within seconds. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied to Cole within 24 seconds, restoring his heartbeat.
Following emergency treatment, doctors discovered three arterial blockages and performed a double‑bypass surgery. Cole’s recovery has been steady; he reports feeling great and continues cardiac rehabilitation.
From survivor to advocate
At this weekend’s Mobile Heart Walk, organized by the American Heart Association, Cole led the procession while beating a drum that symbolized his restored heartbeat. He met Dr. Malozzi for the first time since the incident, sharing gratitude for the swift actions that saved his life.
“I was one of the lucky ones. All of those things fell into place for me to be alive right now,” Cole said. His wife, Jolene, added, “If he had been at my house, it would have been a different story. He was where he needed to be. God guided this in every way possible.”
Why CPR matters
Dr. Malozzi emphasized the life‑saving power of CPR and AEDs, noting that 90 percent of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive. “There were so many people around him that were just ready to help,” he said. “I’m thankful he can share his story and raise awareness for CPR and AED use.”
The Heart Walk aims to educate Mobile residents about recognizing cardiac emergencies, performing chest compressions, and accessing AEDs in public spaces. Participants receive training resources and information on how to locate nearby devices.
Community response
Local officials and volunteers praised the event as a vital public‑health initiative. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, who attended the walk, highlighted the city’s commitment to expanding AED availability in parks, schools, and municipal buildings.
“Every second counts when a heart stops,” the mayor said. “By empowering our citizens with CPR skills, we strengthen the safety net for all Alabamians.”
Organizers encourage anyone interested in learning CPR to visit the American Heart Association’s website, where instructional videos and class schedules are available. The goal is to increase the number of trained responders in Mobile, ensuring that future emergencies receive the same rapid, life‑saving care that saved Mr. Cole.
Looking ahead
Cole plans to continue sharing his experience, speaking at schools, churches, and community groups. “I’m going to take the opportunity and run with it,” he said. “I want to pay it forward and help save someone else’s life.”
The story of Brock Cole underscores the importance of community preparedness, faith‑guided resilience, and the critical role of quick medical intervention in saving lives.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
