On Sept. 8, John Bonhotal suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while checking in for a Southwest Airlines flight at Albany International Airport. On Oct. 15, he hiked Vly Mountain, one of 35 Catskill Mountains that are taller than 3500 feet.
Bonhotal returned to the airport on Oct. 16, World Restart a Heart Day, where Colonie EMS hosted a reunion between Bonhotal and the four people who started the “Chain of Survival” that ultimately saved his life
When Bonhotal collapsed, Southwest agents Patrick “Brady” Tripp and Michelle Nestler sprang into action, calling 911 and beginning CPR. Deputies Matthew Ryan and Thomas Connelly of the Albany County Sheriff’s Department were first to arrive and continued CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). By the time the Albany Airport Fire Department and Colonie EMS arrived, Bonhotal was conscious…