Joe Gomes (in a black shirt and khakis) reunites with heroes who saved his life. {Broward Health}
A retired New York City police officer who survived three cardiac emergencies during a first responders’ hockey tournament reunited with those who helped save his life.
Joe Gomes, 64, a Royal Palm Beach resident and 9/11 responder who spent months working at Ground Zero, returned to Broward Health Coral Springs to meet the first responders, doctors and nurses who treated him.
According to Broward Health, Gomes went into cardiac arrest Sept. 11, 2026, 25 years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, while competing in a hockey tournament at the Florida Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs.
After making a play, Gomes sensed something was wrong, returned to the bench and collapsed. Fellow players quickly recognized the emergency, began CPR, and used an automated external defibrillator to restore his heart rhythm about one minute after it stopped.
“Fortunately, the team coming behind us was in the locker room behind us, and it was a team of firefighters and medics,” said Gomes.
Joe Gomes at a press conference. {Broward Health}
Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Rescue transported Gomes to Broward Health Coral Springs, where he experienced two additional cardiac events: one in the emergency department and another shortly before surgery.
Doctors rushed Gomes to the hospital’s cardiac catheterization laboratory, where he underwent a procedure to place a stent and restore blood flow through a blocked artery.
Despite suffering cardiac arrest at the rink and two more episodes at the hospital, Gomes survived without neurological damage.
He was discharged the following day.
His recovery demonstrated the importance of the “chain of survival,” which includes early recognition of cardiac arrest, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation and advanced hospital care.
During the reunion on Wednesday, Gomes thanked members of Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Rescue and first responders from North Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County and Jupiter.
Dr. Gary Lai, chief of emergency medicine at Broward Health Coral Springs, presented Gomes with the Gift of Life Award on behalf of Broward Health.
Following the presentation, Gomes also reunited with members of the cardiac team who worked to reopen his blocked artery.
“When they brought me here and the way I was treated from second one was spectacular,” said Gomes. This was the best place to come to.”
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