Family Searches for Good Samaritans Who Saved Grandfather
Heinz Arndt was saved after collapsing in a parking lot.
— -- The family of an Oregon man is hoping to meet and thank the two good Samaritans who helped save his life.
Heinz Arndt, 79, collapsed earlier this week due to a heart attack, his son-in-law Matthew Smith, a detective sergeant at the Forest Grove Police Department in Forest Grove, told ABC News.
"It has about a 5 percent survival rate," Smith said. Smith said after Arndt collapsed on Monday near the bank he was going to, good Samaritans jumped in, started CPR and called 911.
Smith said he was told by the fire chief that when responders arrived, Arndt was awake, although his heart rate remained unstable.
After the firetrucks arrived "These two people just melted away and the first question we had are 'Who are they?' and we want to thank them for what they did," said Smith.
Arndt, who has three grandchildren, had to have his heart shocked at least three times by a defibrillator, according to Smith, but is now listed in "fair" condition at a local hospital, the hospital said.
Smith said he's amazed that Arndt, a German immigrant who owns land in the area, is doing so well.
"They just could have called 911 and they took it on themselves" to act, said Smith of the good Samaritans. "I think they’re the reason he doesn’t have any brain damage and no damage to his heart."
Smith said his father-in-law is not only doing well he's "mortified" about the commotion he caused.
"He feels like he made a great big fuss…and feels bad about it," Smith said laughing.
Smith said if anyone has any ideas about who the Good Samaritans are, they can contact him at the Forest Grove Police Department.
"My wife wants to give them a hug," Smith said. "The whole family wants to thank them properly."