A firefighter’s heart attack, and the call that helped save his life

PORTLAND, Ore., May 19, 2026 — Aaron Gagnon has spent years responding to emergencies as a firefighter. During EMS Week, his account of becoming the patient instead of the responder offers a clear public-service message: Heart attack symptoms do not always look the way people expect and calling 911 quickly can matter. Before his heart attack, Gagnon said he felt healthy. He stayed active, kept up with annual physicals and had no reason to think he was living with severe blockages in his arteries. Then, on a June afternoon after watching his son coach youth lacrosse and stopping at the grocery store, he noticed what first felt like heartburn. The discomfort spread across his chest but did not match the dramatic version of a heart attack many people picture. Then the pain moved into his left arm and jaw. He began sweating heavily, his energy dropped quickly and he realized something was seriously wrong. According to the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, heart attack symptoms can include chest discomfort, pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, lightheadedness and unusual fatigue. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, others begin more quietly. For a moment, Aaron considered driving himself the short distance to the hospital. Then he thought through what could happen if he lost consciousness on the way: a crash would bring responders to a car accident, not to a known heart attack. So he pulled into a parking lot, put the truck in park and called 911. That decision likely made a difference. The Heart Association says calling 911 is often the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment because emergency medical services can begin care right away and alert the hospital before arrival. In a heart attack, faster care can help save heart muscle. When responders arrived, Aaron was fading in and out. They tested his heart and confirmed what he feared: he was having a STEMI, a serious type of heart attack caused by a blocked artery . He was taken to the nearest hospital best equipped for advanced cardiac care, where clinicians found severe blockages and began treatment quickly to restore blood flow. Research backed by the Heart Association continues to improve how heart attacks are prevented and treated. Aaron now shares that lesson in simple terms: time matters. The sooner blood flow is restored, the better the chance of limiting long-term damage. Early on, doctors expected some damage. Later follow-up testing brought welcome news: he says he had little to no lasting heart damage. While Aaron’s care moved quickly, the wait felt long for the people who love him. His wife got the call that he had been taken to the hospital with chest pain. When she arrived, she was told he was in surgery. Their adult children rushed in from different places. Aaron later woke up in intensive care with his family there, still shaken and in tears. Aaron’s first question for the cardiologist was about damage and what the long-term effects would be. The answer mattered not only to him, but to the family waiting beside him. Gagnon returned to firefighting about four months later, but recovery was not immediate. Even routine activity could leave him exhausted. He completed cardiac rehabilitation as part of rebuilding endurance and confidence. He also spent time on medication as part of his recovery plan. Over time, follow-up care showed encouraging results and eventually, he was able to come off most medications except a daily aspirin. Today, he says life feels normal and good, with some healthier eating habits and a much sharper awareness of risk. Gagnon said one reason he is sharing his story is to push back on the idea that a heart attack always looks obvious. His symptoms began with something he could easily have dismissed. He also talks openly about how surprising this was. He had regular checkups and did not see himself as someone headed toward a heart attack. Aaron encourages people to have informed conversations with their care team about family history, cholesterol, blood pressure and what screening tools may make sense for them. Explore heart attack symptoms, prevention information and recovery resources at heart.org . ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: Jay Wintermeyer: jay.wintermeyer@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org