Retired Firefighter Survives 84 Defibrillator Jolts at Thousand Oaks Hospital

Gregory Acevedo says it is a miracle he is alive after surviving a medical emergency that left him in cardiac arrest multiple times at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. He credits the medical staff with saving his life and now volunteers at the same hospital where his heart stopped and started more than 80 times in a single night.

📍 What Happened

On December 15, 2023, the 71-year-old Agoura Hills resident and retired firefighter was rushed into the emergency department at Los Robles. While being treated, Acevedo suffered repeated cardiac arrests. Hospital staff performed chest compressions and used an automated external defibrillator to restore his heartbeat — shocking him a staggering 84 times.

👨‍⚕️ The Emergency Response

Emergency room personnel sprang into action, crowding around Acevedo’s gurney. Medical staff pushed on his chest and took turns using a compression device to deliver consistent, life-saving chest compressions. At one point, an ER doctor ran outside the hospital to bring his wife inside so she could be with him during the critical moments.

❤️ A Remarkable Recovery

Despite the harrowing ordeal, Acevedo survived. Doctors described his recovery as highly unusual and inspiring. He now returns to the hospital not as a patient, but as a volunteer, helping other patients through their own difficult medical journeys.

🗣 In His Words

“I’m proof that you don’t give up,” said Acevedo. He emphasized his gratitude to the doctors and nurses who never gave up on him, even when the odds were stacked against his survival.

🏥 Why It Matters

Acevedo’s story is a testament to both modern medical technology and the dedication of healthcare workers. It also highlights the life-saving potential of immediate medical intervention in cardiac emergencies.