A Lifelong Heart Journey, Saved by Teamwork

David Rice was born with a congenital heart disease called the Tetralogy of Fallot. He underwent his first open heart surgery at just four years old and has had three more open heart procedures since. 

David has been a patient of Dr. David Meier of Heart & Vascular Specialists of Northwest Ohio for 25 years. Several years ago, David’s daughter, Deanna Betts, became a medical assistant at the same office so she could better understand her dad’s condition. Dr. Meier and his dedicated team, with the help of the expert physicians at The Ohio University Wexner Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Network, have worked hard to manage David’s heart condition. 

Recently, David was at home and began feeling unwell. He utilized his pacemaker and defibrillator to send a transmission to Dr. Meier’s device nurse, Lisa Snook, RN. She acted quickly when she saw that David’s heart rhythm was abnormal, putting him at risk for cardiac arrest. David was rushed to the emergency room at Blanchard Valley Hospital, where he received excellent, life-saving care. 

“I truly believe that his bedside monitor and Lisa saved his life,” said Deanna. “I am so proud to be a part of Blanchard Valley Health System, and I am so thankful everything happened the way it did. My dad means the world to me, and I was not ready to lose him!”

“I am thankful to Lisa, my pacemaker and defibrillator, and the team at Blanchard Valley Hospital,” said David. “I am happy that BVH has collaborated with OSU, as I can receive care from both facilities.”

Thank you, David and Deanna, for sharing your story and trusting BVHS with your care. We are proud to continue serving your family for years to come.