Tony Chin
"My message is to encourage everyone, especially firefighters and police officers, to be aware of their heart health."
My co-worker said: “Let’s go to the hospital and get you checked out,” Chin said.
On that October 2020 day, it was easy for Chin to dismiss his symptoms. He was working as a captain and instructor for Tamarac Fire Rescue and thought it was the stress of the job, plus feelings of tiredness. Instead, he was experiencing a heart attack.
When he arrived at the Emergency Department of Broward Health Coral Springs, Chin was diagnosed with coronary artery disease.
Chin was quickly transported to Broward Health North for emergency treatment. “During the whole process I just thought about my family and what would happen if I wasn’t there,” he said.
Mohamed Osman, M.D., an interventional cardiologist with Broward Health Physician Group, performed the emergency life-saving surgery to remove the 100% blockages in Chin’s heart. “Fire rescue staff, in particular, are the kind of people who are on top of their game,” Osman said. “They are often in top physical condition, and sometimes its hard for them to believe that serious heart episodes will happen to them.”
Chin, who was discharged after a week, joined the cardiac rehabilitation program at Broward Health Medical Center.
The wellness program helps patients improve their stamina, strength and reduce their heart disease symptoms. In February 2021, Chin returned to teaching and work.
“My message is to encourage everyone, especially firefighters and police officers, to be aware of their heart health,” said Chin, who is now chief of Emergency Medical Services at Coconut Creek Fire Rescue.