Glennwilde Man, 40, Hails ‘Exceptional Heroes’ for Life-Saving Rescue

A 40-year-old man from Glennwilde, Bernard Porpino, credits the emergency room team at Exceptional Community Hospital for saving his life following a severe heart attack. His wife, Priscilla, emphasized the crucial role of the medical staff, stating, “Honestly, the nurses and doctor saved my life.”

The ordeal began on September 7, when Bernard experienced alarming chest pains and intense sweating. Priscilla noted that he showed clear symptoms consistent with a heart attack. Hospital officials later identified a severely blocked artery as the cause, diagnosing Bernard with atherosclerosis—a condition defined by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries.

The Porpinos describe the emergency room’s response as remarkably swift. “They got my husband in the emergency room within two minutes,” Priscilla reported. When Bernard went into distress, the attending nurse calmly advised him to remain composed to mitigate his symptoms.

Citing the urgency of the situation, an emergency helicopter airlifted Bernard to Abrazo Central Campus in Phoenix for advanced treatment. Priscilla, unable to board, drove to the hospital and arrived approximately 52 minutes later. “If we didn’t get him there sooner, my husband would have died,” she stated. “They are modern-day heroes.”

The medical staff who played pivotal roles in Bernard’s care included emergency room nurses Whitney Gaither and Rob Anders, alongside Dr. Brad Russell Green, who made the initial diagnosis. In a display of gratitude, the Porpino family later returned to the hospital with donuts to thank the team.

Bernard, a technician at a local phone company, is also involved in a side business with his family, producing and selling candy. Following the health scare, he is committed to making lifestyle changes for improved health. Gaither reflected on the intense atmosphere during Bernard’s treatment, acknowledging the emotional weight shared between the staff and the Porpinos. “These are team efforts,” she remarked, highlighting the collective dedication of the emergency team.

Bernard’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of quick medical intervention in life-threatening situations. The family’s emotional visit to the hospital, where they expressed their gratitude, underscored the deep bonds formed between patients and caregivers during crises.