By EMS1 Staff
DENVILLE, N.J. — Paramedics gave a 91-year-old man exactly what he wanted for his birthday this week.
Joseph Leifkin said he woke up sweating and knew he was “in trouble.” Leifkin’s wife, Marjorie, called 911 and he was quickly transported to the hospital.
“I didn’t even have the chance to introduce myself and he said, ‘Don’t let me die, don’t let me die,’” paramedic Kevin Duffy told ABC.
While on the way to the hospital, Leifkin’s heart stopped beating and he was not breathing; paramedics performed CPR.
“He did reach out and say, ’I’m not ready, I don’t want to go, the only thing I want to do is go to Ruth Chris with my wife and have a dinner on my birthday,’” paramedic Sarah Crelin said.
After he was revived, Leifkin thanked paramedics, calling them his saviors and gave him “another life.” He was also able to attend his birthday dinner with his wife and other members of his family at a steakhouse.
“Just knowing they got another holiday together. You know, a lot of us would love to have our dads back for a holiday, so we are glad this family has him,” paramedic Corrine Flammer said.