Local teacher’s cardiac arrest underscores importance of CPR, AED training ahead of OKC Heart Walk

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 15, 2026 — When longtime Oklahoma educator Mike Mason collapsed into cardiac arrest earlier this year, his survival hinged on one critical factor: trained responders who knew exactly what to do. That life-or-death moment is why Mason is sharing his story ahead of the 2026 Oklahoma City Heart Walk, set for Saturday, May 30, and why the American Heart Association is calling on the community to take action to improve cardiac emergency preparedness across central Oklahoma. On the morning of Jan. 20, 2026, Mason was at home preparing for work when a vitamin pill lodged in his airway, restricting his breathing. As his oxygen levels dropped, Mason made a split-second decision to drive himself to the Mustang Fire Station. Moments after firefighters helped clear the obstruction, Mason’s heart suddenly stopped. He collapsed into ventricular tachycardia, a deadly heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively. Firefighters immediately began CPR and used a defibrillator to shock his heart back into rhythm — actions that ultimately saved his life. “I opened my eyes and saw the firefighter lifting the paddles off my chest,” Mason said. “He told me, ‘I guess we got you back.’” Mason’s survival reflects what the American Heart Association calls the chain of survival — rapid recognition of cardiac arrest, immediate CPR, early defibrillation and advanced medical care. Without that swift response, outcomes are often tragic. Nearly 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, largely because bystander CPR or AED use does not occur in time. Paramedics transported Mason to a local hospital where testing revealed multiple coronary blockages. He later underwent a successful stent procedure and cardiac rehabilitation. Today, Mason credits his survival to trained first responders, and he’s determined to help ensure more people have those same skills. “The more people who know CPR and how to use an AED, the more stories like mine we’ll have,” he said. That’s the driving force behind the 2026 OKC Heart Walk, the American Heart Association’s annual community event that brings together survivors, families, health care professionals and local leaders to fight heart disease and stroke — the nation’s leading causes of death. The OKC Heart Walk aims to create a city where at least one person in every household is confident and prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency through CPR training and education. Funds raised support lifesaving research, public education and emergency preparedness initiatives across Oklahoma. Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere – at home, at work or in the community – and immediate action can double or even triple survival chances. Yet many people remain unsure how to respond when seconds matter most. “Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that preparedness saves lives,” said Jennifer Lacy, senior development director for the OKC Heart Walk. “Through the Heart Walk, we’re working to turn bystanders into confident responders so more families have the chance for stories of survival.” Mason plans to walk in May in honor of the firefighters who refused to give up, the medical teams who cared for him and the family members whose lives were forever changed that morning. He also hopes to become CPR- and AED-certified again so he can help train others. “I’m here because someone knew what to do,” Mason said. “Everyone deserves that chance.” The 2026 OKC Heart Walk will take place Saturday, May 30, at Bicentennial Park in downtown OKC and is open to individuals, families and teams. Community members are encouraged to register, form teams and learn more about CPR education by visiting OKCHeartWalk.org . Organizers say the Heart Walk isn’t about athletic ability or distance; it’s about showing support, honoring loved ones and making a visible, collective commitment to heart health in Oklahoma City. ​ 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 a 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 Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org