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A Fairfax County family’s holiday decorating plans turned into a life-or-death emergency when 65-year-old Raymond Arduini suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest inside his home.
On Dec. 8, 2024, Sharon Arduini was encouraging her husband to bring out the Christmas tree. Her mother was also at the house, while the couple’s 30-year-old son, Wade, had just left to meet a friend.
As Sharon and Raymond moved a chair, Raymond went into cardiac arrest and collapsed. Sharon immediately called 911, and her mother contacted Wade and told him to return home.
Wade was only a few miles away. He rushed back and performed CPR on his father until emergency medical crews arrived. Responders defibrillated Raymond twice before taking him to the hospital.
Eight days later, Raymond left the hospital neurologically intact.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reunited the Arduini family with the first responders who treated Raymond during a Resuscitation Reunion on Thursday, May 8. The department also recognized Sharon and Wade for taking action that helped save his life.
A cardiac-arrest patient’s chance of survival decreases by about 10% for every minute that passes without CPR. Because emergency crews need time to reach a patient, immediate action by nearby witnesses can be critical.
Roughly 70% of cardiac arrests occur in private homes, meaning the person who needs assistance may be a family member or friend.
Hands-Only CPR involves two steps: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest. During the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, it can be as effective as conventional CPR that includes rescue breaths.
The Centreville Volunteer Fire Department will offer a free, drop-in Hands-Only CPR open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Fire Station 17, 5856 Old Centreville Road in Centreville.
Participants can learn effective chest compressions, practice using an automated external defibrillator and build confidence for responding during an emergency. Registration is not required.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue also offers a two-minute instructional video for those unable to attend. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, making it important to recognize symptoms and seek immediate help.