Woman, 36, collapses during a half-marathon. A doctor racing behind her REPORT she was….read more
During the Jersey City Half-Marathon on September 28, 36-year-old Chrystal Rinehold collapsed near the 7-mile marker due to a cardiac emergency. Despite the sudden crisis, she was incredibly fortunate to have someone nearby who could act quickly and potentially save her life.
Dr. Shane Naidoo, an emergency medicine physician and an experienced marathon runner with TeamHealth, was running just behind Rinehold when he saw her fall to the ground. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Dr. Naidoo immediately stopped and rushed to her side. She had collapsed on the grass beside the race path, and without hesitation, he began administering emergency medical care.
Thanks to his swift intervention, Dr. Naidoo was able to stabilize her while they waited for paramedics to arrive. His background in emergency medicine allowed him to recognize the symptoms of Rinehold’s condition and provide the crucial assistance she needed in those critical moments. While full details about her health condition were not immediately available, it was clear that the situation could have ended much worse if Dr. Naidoo had not been nearby.
Rinehold was later transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. As of now, her condition remains stable, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of having trained medical professionals present in public spaces, especially at large events like marathons. Dr. Naidoo’s presence and quick actions helped avert a potential tragedy, highlighting how critical immediate medical care can be in life-threatening situations. Rinehold’s survival underscores the value of preparation and vigilance, both for athletes and the medical teams supporting them.
