Nurse's Quick Moves on the Pickleball Court: How an AED and CPR Saved Her Boyfriend's Life

Image: Sundari Saengdara Facebook / City of Eden Prairie Instagram

When nurse Sunny Saengdara headed to the pickleball courts with her boyfriend Rory Bakke in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, she never expected to use her professional skills in such a personal emergency. Yet her nursing training, quick thinking, and access to a newly installed automated external defibrillator (AED) made the difference between life and death when Bakke suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest during their game.

"Rory would not be alive if it wasn't for that (AED)," Saengdara told local media after the incident. 

The dramatic rescue at Miller Park shows the critical importance of both CPR training and accessible defibrillators in public spaces.

The ordeal unfolded when Bakke suddenly collapsed on the court. Drawing on her nursing experience, Saengdara immediately assessed him and found no pulse. She began CPR while fellow players called 911 and retrieved the park's AED, which had been installed just 12 days earlier.

Why AEDs and CPR Matter—A Lot

The timing of the AED installation proved remarkably fortunate. According to the American Heart Association, every minute that passes without immediate CPR and the use of an AED reduces a person’s chance of survival by 7-10%. Acting quickly can make a life-saving difference—prompt CPR alone can triple the likelihood of survival from sudden cardiac arrest.

After attaching the AED, the device analyzed Bakke's heart rhythm and advised delivering a shock. The defibrillation, combined with Saengdara's CPR efforts, successfully restored his heartbeat before emergency medical services arrived. This rapid response likely prevented neurological damage that often occurs during prolonged cardiac arrest. 

Medical evaluation later revealed that Bakke likely has arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare heart rhythm disorder. As part of his recovery plan, he now wears a LifeVest, a temporary external defibrillator, and is scheduled for implantation of a permanent device.

Bridging Clinical Skills into Everyday Life

For nurses, this incident serves as a powerful reminder that our skills extend far beyond clinical settings. The ability to quickly assess a situation, initiate CPR, and properly use an AED can make the difference between life and death in unexpected situations. According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S., with survival rates of only about 10% overall.

Advocating for AEDs in Public Spaces

Public health advocates, including many nursing professionals, have long pushed for expanded placement of AEDs in community spaces. The American Heart Association recommends AEDs be placed where large groups gather or where emergency services may take longer to arrive.

Saengdara's experience also reinforces the value of CPR training for everyone, not just healthcare professionals. The combination of immediate CPR and early defibrillation provides the best chance of survival for cardiac arrest victims.

As Bakke continues his recovery, both he and Saengdara have become advocates for AED placement and CPR training. Their story serves as both inspiration and education, showing how preparation and quick action can transform a potential tragedy into a miracle of survival.

🤔Nurses, have you ever had to use your life-saving skills outside of work? What was that moment like for you? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below!