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Dutchess Mom Survives 35 Minutes Without Heartbeat

POUGHQUAG, N.Y. -- A Dutchess mom of three who survived for 35 minutes without a heartbeat, recently returned home to her family and is spending the time getting used to her new life, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Lucille Grippo of Poughquag survived without a pulse for 35 minutes after suffering a heart problem.

Lucille Grippo of Poughquag survived without a pulse for 35 minutes after suffering a heart problem.

Photo Credit: www.martinmarcom.com

On June 15, Lucille Grippo, 45, of Poughquag was sound asleep when she suffered what is known as Long QT Syndrome, a disorder of the heart's electrical system that can bring on sudden, dangerous arrhythmias, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the Journal said. 

What followed was a nightmare for her husband, Dr. Patrick Grippo as the 43-year-old podiatrist began CPR and called 911 in an effort to keep his wife alive until help could arrive, the Journal added. 

Poughkeepsie police arrived first and continued CPR and used a defibrillator with no response. When paramedics arrived, they continued performing CPR for some 35 minutes, used the defibrillator at least eight times and inserted a breathing tube. After 26 minutes they finally received a light pulse, the Journal said.

Once in the ambulance, the marathon runner, began breathing again and moving her arms and legs as she was taken to Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, the Journal added.

In the hospital, Grippo was on a ventilator and in a coma until June 15, when she woke up. She could not speak until July 3, and her memory didn't fully return until July 14, the paper reported.

Click here to read the Poughkeepsie Journal article. 

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