A UF materials engineering professor who suffered a heart attack is in stable condition thanks to two students.
Stephen Pearton, 54, was in the Reitz Union food court Wednesday when he began to have a heart attack.
Sophomore Lauren Mickle was waiting in line for a salad at Croutons when she saw Pearton seizing up and making choking sounds. A male student waiting near Croutons jumped out of line and began performing CPR. Mickle, who is a lifeguard for UF RecSports, stepped in to help.
Paramedics arrived shortly after and administered several shocks with a defibrillator. Pearton was taken to the Shands Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
UPD spokesman Brad Barber said the students' quick response had an impact on saving Pearton's life. Mickle said it was the first time she had performed CPR.
Mickle said police told her Friday that Pearton was in stable condition and recovering.
