Quality Health Care – The cornerstone of any thriving, viable community
Bob Roepke can speak firsthand about the need for quality health care in any community to attract new residents and businesses, and continue to grow, remain viable and simply be a great place to live. But we’re not speaking about just any community, we’re talking about the city of Chaska. Bob was born and raised here and has been a Chaska resident for most of his life ― serving as mayor from 1984 to 2002. Residents fondly refer to him as “Mr. Chaska.”
For years, he has influenced the growth of the community and advocated for all the services that truly add personal, educational and relational value to the lives of its residents. This includes expanded health care and new schools, libraries, a community center, parks, public transportation, a golf course, flood control and more.
Bob will be the first to admit he has a special affinity for health care. He was a strong and committed advocate (among others) for having a hospital in the community prior to Ridgeview opening Two Twelve Medical Center in 2011 ― which has become a health care hub not just for Chaska, but the southwest metro region. It includes Ridgeview’s Emergency Department, primary and specialty care practices and several other health care providers who offer expansive services. Since a recent health scare, Bob is especially thankful for having Ridgeview in his community.
An unexpected health crisis
No one plans for when they might need emergency medical care, but having quick access to quality care can mean the difference between life and death, and Bob recently experienced this firsthand.
On May 12, 2023, Bob was a guest speaker for a school fundraiser in Chaska. After returning to his seat, he recalls leaning over to speak to the person next to him ― this is the last thing he remembers. Soon he was on the floor, in the midst of a heart attack.
Gina Edison, a certified family nurse practitioner at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, just happened to be attending the same event. “I wasn’t at Bob’s table and didn’t see it happen, but was at his side starting chest compressions moments later,” Gina explained. “With such a large number of people at the event, there were a lot of spectators.”
After a short time, Bob began agonal breathing ― gasps that are not true breaths, but the body’s natural reflex when the brain is not getting enough oxygen. Although the average person may confuse this with resumed breathing, as a medical professional, Gina knew to continue CPR until an automated external defibrillator (AED) was available. Upon receiving the first electric shock, Bob’s heart began beating regularly on its own and he regained consciousness.
The role of CPR and an AED
Bob is extremely grateful that a medical professional was nearby to assist. Most often, that will not be the case and anyone should be ready to offer CPR. “Administering CPR is stressful for anyone in any situation,” Gina said. “And you may doubt yourself.” To build confidence, she encourages everyone to have some level of CPR and AED training ― it’s not just for health care professionals.
“In the moment, if you’re questioning yourself, keep going. You can’t hurt someone who doesn’t need CPR. And don’t be intimidated by the AED. Although it’s best to have a basic level of training, it’s not required to use one. If you don’t do it perfectly, the machine will ― it tells you exactly what to do. It literally speaks to you. In Bob’s case, it read his heart and spoke ‘shock advised,’” Gina explained.
CPR keeps blood circulating throughout the body, including the brain and lungs. Keep doing CPR until medical help arrives. If an AED is available, use it ― don’t be intimidated. The AED will analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore its regular rhythm.
A lifetime friendship developed
Although Bob and Gina never met prior to this event, they have since become good friends and expect to remain so for their lifetimes. Bob and Gina share in their resolve that everyone should have some level of CPR and AED training so they are capable of assisting in an emergency situation. To learn more about CPR opportunities in your community, visit the American Heart Association or Red Cross websites.
