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Kevan Elkins of Pleasant Grove speaks during a news conference at Intermountain American Fork Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. On Nov. 1, the 39-year-old was lifting weights at a local gym when his heart stopped and he collapsed. An emergency nurse from Intermountain American Fork Hospital and a Pleasant Grove paramedic happened to be at the gym and were able to revive him.

Courtesy Intermountain Health

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One side of the Challenge Coins awarded to Intermountain American Fork Hospital nurse Cameron Connelly and Pleasant Grove paramedic Curtis Hutchinson for their heroism in saving Kevan Elkins of Pleasant Grove after his heart stopped at a local gym on Nov. 1, 2024.

Courtesy Intermountain Health

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One side of the Challenge Coins awarded to Intermountain American Fork Hospital nurse Cameron Connelly and Pleasant Grove paramedic Curtis Hutchinson for their heroism in saving Kevan Elkins of Pleasant Grove after his heart stopped at a local gym on Nov. 1, 2024.

Courtesy Intermountain Health

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From left, Curtis Hutchinson, Colton Connelly, Cameron Connelly, Kevan Elkins, Tim Dunkley, Jeff Bateman, Mike Beltran, Troy Carmel, Greg Brignone are pictured Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, during a press conference to honor Cameron Connelly and Hutchinson for their heroism in saving Elkins after his heart stopped at a local gym on Nov. 1, 2024.

Courtesy Intermountain Health

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Kevan Elkins said he got “stupid lucky” last month when his heart stopped while he was exercising at a local gym.

The 39-year-old Pleasant Grove resident was at Vasa Fitness in American Fork on Nov. 1 lifting weights when he suddenly collapsed.

Fortunately, Cameron Connelly, an emergency nurse at Intermountain American Fork Hospital, and Curtis Hutchinson, a Pleasant Grove paramedic, witnessed the incident and dove into action. Both were off duty at the time.

“This is very emotional,” Elkins said during a news conference Thursday morning. “I don’t remember much, but I got stupid lucky that the right people were there next to me and they had the right training. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here if they hadn’t been there.”

Connelly said she got to the gym at around 11:45 a.m. and saw Elkins drop to the ground behind her.

“I thought he had passed out,” she said. “But as I got closer I immediately knew that’s not what was happening.”

Connelly said she checked for a pulse, but there was none.

“That’s when I jumped on your chest and started CPR,” she told Elkins. “I lost you three times.”

While she was performing CPR, Hutchinson located an automated external defibrillator and the two successfully shocked his heart back into normal rhythm before crew members from American Fork Fire Station No. 51 arrived and transported him to the Hospital.

“I had just finished working out and turned around and Cam was kneeling next to you,” Hutchinson told Elkins. “I made the call and handed the phone to Cam’s husband and we kept working on you.”

Connelly’s husband, Colton, is a police officer who took over the 911 call to dispatch emergency workers to the scene.

“I know you guys do this for a living, but you didn’t have to that day,” Elkins said. “I am beyond grateful you had the training and you got me back. Thank you.”

The Connellys, Hutchinson and the other paramedics on the scene received the prestigious Challenge Coin for their courage and quick response.

Dallas Rasmussen, department nurse manager at Intermountain American Fork Hospital, said Challenge Coins have a rich tradition dating back to the military and are given to those who have shown dedication, courage and service.

“Today, the Challenge Coins have gone beyond the military roots,” he said. “At Intermountain Health, it’s a recognition of our EMS partners and the exceptional service provided. It unites us in our shared commitment and compassion.”

Jason Wilson, CEO at Intermountain American Fork Hospital, said that, as president, he reflects a lot on the work that’s done at the hospital and in partnership with everyone in public safety.

“I truly get to work with the smartest, dedicated, strongest people in our community who exemplify qualities and values I strive to have,” he said. “One of those qualities is courage. I believe to be in the roles these people fill require courage. There are situations they encounter that mere mortals would run from, but instead of running from, they run toward. They are truly heroic.”

Hutchinson said while he was grateful to be on the scene and able to help, anyone could have and should have been able to do what he and Connelly did.

“It all goes back to the importance of CPR,” he said. “If we weren’t there, I would hope someone who knew CPR was there. Just getting that little bit of education to help when something happens is something that’s needed.”