In Patrick Phillips|March 9, 2021 at 6:23 pm EST – Updated March 9 at 9:08 pm
SUMMERVILLE, SC (WCSC) – A man returned to Trident Medical Center for an emotional reunion with one of the hospital staff who saved his life last summer.
Chris Karpus returned to meet Michelle Becknell, one of the ICU nurses he says was part of a miracle.
Karpus, 52, was at home on July 27 when his heart stopped beating.
Trident Medical Center spokesman Rod Whiting said his wife Amy called 911 and a son had cardiopulmonary resuscitation before an ambulance arrived. His heartbeat was restored and the EMS took him to Trident Medical Center, but Whiting said on the way that his heart stopped again.
Doctors say his heart stopped for a total of 48 minutes.
Karpus was resurrected and put into a medically induced coma for three days.
“They did neurological tests on me and determined that I was brain dead, and told my lovely bride and family that there was no hope,” he said. “But as God wanted, He performed a miracle and put me in the ICU with a great team and, little by little, they, together, the good God and this wonderful team, brought me back.”
He recovered well enough to return home after nine days.
Karpus and his wife, Amy, brought a gift basket prepared by the missionary group at their church, Grace Christian Fellowship, as a way of saying “thank you”.
“And I’m back to say that miracles happen,” he said. “Cling to it, cling to God and those around you who love you and know that He loves you. And it happens. Miracles happen.”
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