JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback Lyric Feedback Forum 3 Dr. Pantridge the Defibrillator Man

The story you are about to read is true. The name is real, to give praise to a man responsible for saving hundreds (probably 1000's worldwide) DAILY!! I know the viewpoint changes, and you probably shouldn't address the deceased, but.....

Dr. Pantridge, Defibrillator Man

I took a two week trip out to Las Vegas
Sang some Elvis, hit all the big buffets
On the flight coming home, I thought the plane would crash
Had a dream on the tarmac, my life had slipped away

A shirtless man reflected from a window
Laying helpless on the floor, so strange to see
Three men dressed all in white stood around him
I was shocked to realize the man was me

Good Doctor Pantridge
I'm so thankful to be writing you this letter
I'll try to turn it to a song if I can
On behalf of the millions that are breathing
(Thanks to you)
Good Dr Pantridge, defibrillator man

The awful pain turned out to be a blessing
The sweetest hurt I'll pro'bly ever know
I didn't feel a thing when they first zapped me
On the fourth hit's when my blood began to flow

Good Doctor Pantridge
I'm so thankful to be writing you this letter
I'll try to turn it to a song if I can
On behalf of the millions that are breathing
(Thanks to you)
Good Dr Pantridge, defibrillator man

I pay tribute to the late, good Dr Pantridge
What should have been my end, was a new chance to begin
I owe the rest of my life to Dr Pantridge
To a man I never knew, let me salute you

Good Doctor Pantridge
I'm so thankful to be writing you this letter
I'll try to turn it to a song if I can
On behalf of the millions that are breathing
(Thanks to you)
Good Dr Pantridge, defibrillator man

My Irish friend out in the great somewhere
Thanks for delaying my meeting with you there




[This message has been edited by Ben F (edited 04-23-2006).]

Coolness. Glad you are still here to bother us! LOL. Next time, say hey to God for me.

You need to capitalize Defibrillator Man and he needs cape or something.

Well, wolv, ain't sure whether to thank you or ask you to meet me at the flagpole, but I'm leanin' toward the latter!
ben

Very glad you're still around writing up a storm Ben....

nice tribute...!!! and a solid write....

best to you this mornin'
and here's to happy hearts...

Kaley....

Wow Ben ....Puts you in a whole new perspective in my eyes. Nothing like flirting with the "other side" to clarify your life. Hope you enjoy many years of songwriting fun. Regards...Paul

dang it Ben!! I didn't know this was a true story.

There should be a hug smiley!!

(((((----- -------)))))


p.s. oops I failed to mention . . yeah, I like it!!

[This message has been edited by doodle (edited 04-18-2006).]

Hey, Pete
Didn't see the piece U R referring to. Wish I had.!
They are on planes now. Shoot, time will get here before long, people will keep 'em in their homes. Glad it sang smooth for you, because I'll guarantee you one thing...there's a HUGE built in audience for this. When I got back "up & running' a few weeks later, I'd run into people I hadn't seen in a while, and they new I looked different (lost 35 lbs.). Every time I told 'em what happened (EVERY TIME), they had either experienced it or knew someone who had.
I got to thinking, there's all these tributes to entertainers (Elton's "goodbye Norma Jean", to Elvis, Johnny, all over the place....) why not one for a guy who LITERALLY touched millions of lives, 'cause don't forget to multiply the loved ones into the equation when a life is saved!
Thanks, Pete.
Ben
PS Hey, I wasn't watching Roy in '53 either, podnah. Unlike this, MOST things I write are flat out fabrications!!!

Hi, Kaley Willow!
This happened Dec 22, '04. I began writing for the first time in July '05. Guess that's why I write so much...got years of bottled up things to say! And fully realize now, there are no guarantees for tomorrow!

Thanks kindly, and Happy Heart to you as well, sweetie!
Ben

Hello Paul T !
You have expressed my own sentiments succinctly & exactly!
Thank you very much for those kind words. They mean alot!
Ben

Good for you for writing this one! There are so many unsung heroes out there. Now I know what the term "unsung hero" means!

I'm curious what kind of tune you were writing with. Just trying to learn that part of it.

Great story and big hugs to ya!

blessings,
vanessa

Hey Ben - this sure is interesting...Looks like we have something else in common besides Fleur de Lis . Seems I owe many thanks to Dr. Pantridge the Defibrillator Man, too.
Last January, I suddenly developed a mysterious cardiac condition ... in a 3 wk period, I had 4 separate “episodes” which each required that defibrillator. Technically, I should be dead! Guess God had other plans for me and decided to keep me around a bit longer. By miracles of modern medicine & gifted Drs, in August they attempted to correct the problem with a new procedure. I went back into the hospital for hopefully the last time in November to test to see if the condition had indeed been corrected... went under anesthesia with all papers signed & Drs waiting to put a defibrillator in my chest if necessary ...it was confirmed that the condition was in control, they didn't need to insert the difibrillator ... I woke to the happy news. Now... isn't that an interesting parallel?? I am so glad to hear you came through this ordeal. Believe me, I know it is a life-altering experience. Looks like God has important things for both us to do.
I certainly hope you are taking care of yourself. Lets write some awesome songs!
{{hugs}}
Joanne


------------------

[*]The Best is Yet to Be,Joanne Lurgio-singer/songwriter www.joannelurgio.com


[*] Joanne's Gig Calendar - http://www.musi-cal.com/search?key=performers&value=Lurgio

[*] http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=100751

[*] www.cdbaby.com/cd/lurgio

[*] MySpace - www.myspace.com/joannelurgio

[*]www.cdbaby.com/group/justplainfolks

Hey 'nessa,
I am glad you enjoyed this. May you & yours never have to meet the good doc's invention!
Musically.....as I often do, I've a tune in my head, BUT it's probably something I heard in the past!
Thanks, RD
Ben

Hey, Lurg.....my partner in.....
Near as I can tell, it WASN'T January LAST, but Jan. a year ago when your problem arose....which makes it even closer than you think. I was released from intensive care on Dec 30, '04, and actually watched the (SOME) New Year's bowl games!!!! Reckon He's thrown a hint???? Anytime, babe.......anytime.
Ben
This could easily be turned to a female point of view!

[This message has been edited by Ben F (edited 04-20-2006).]

You are right Ben ... once again
It was January 2005 ... the beginning of the worst year of my life
And yes... ican hear this sung by a female also... you are a talented songwriter
your partner
Joanne



------------------

[*]The Best is Yet to Be,Joanne Lurgio-singer/songwriter www.joannelurgio.com


[*] Joanne's Gig Calendar - http://www.musi-cal.com/search?key=performers&value=Lurgio

[*] http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=100751

[*] www.cdbaby.com/cd/lurgio

[*] MySpace - www.myspace.com/joannelurgio

[*]www.cdbaby.com/group/justplainfolks

Thank you, J
I'll gladly be your partner anytime you call!
bb

Don't have any nits, just hope you keep going with this. Many bars, fraternal org.s, Musicians, etc, are doing fundraisers for the "home defibrillator kits". My lady had to update her CPR credits, & that's the first time I saw one. even if you don't know what you are doing, a voice leads you through the steps(including a beeper to count seconds), tells you how to attach the 'paddles'--everything!
LITERALLY, a 10-year old could do it...Every business needs to have one, and hopefully if we help do that, mass production will make them cheap enough for every-day home purchase
And Ben might have the theme song for a million fundraisers! Keep polishing!--Al

------------------
Keep dreamin', keep writing

Yo T Tex,
I'll gladly apply polish...if I can find some! I usually have no trouble choppin here, adding there, but in a very personal song, it's more difficult. I had to leave out SOOOOOOOOO much. I actually think if I could put in all of what happened, it would make for an interesting short story.
Wasn't aware advancements were that far along. Great to hear!
Thanks alot!
Ben

Well written easy to understand-but then again so is CNN.I just cant imagine how this will sing out? Have you ideas for the music??

You may have started a whole new niche for yourself.

JF

------------------
johnfindlaymusic.com-nwe CD:FAIRPLAY--: available for free download

Hey, Ben. I think it's great that you wrote this. I'd love to see a song about a real everyday hero like this.

Hope we get to hear this sometime.

- James

[This message has been edited by JamesM (edited 04-21-2006).]

Geez, you might at least have said Fox News Channel! Got a sorta tune in mind, but I don't see what would be that difficult (setting it to music).
ANYONE INTERESTED....LEMME KNOW!
A niche of unsung heroes....hmmmm...I can dig it!
Thanks JF
Ben F

G'Mornin' Bro Ben, & Gee, It's Nice to Have Ya Still Around!!! (Joanne, TOO!)

Cool Concept, Nicely-Done. "KUDOS" for a Fine Tribute/Very Interesting Inside-Story!

Minor Nit: it's "LYING" not "Laying"..if you believe in Proper English Survival.

Might trim "Defibrillator" to "DEFIB Man" in later portions of the Lyric...easier-to-sing/Andience'll UNDERSTAND after watchin' countless hours of "ER" on The Tube, I am sure.

I've allus wanted to pen a song about the Discoverer of Human Blood Types...partly 'cuz he saved even MORE lives than Dr P.,
partly 'cuz it's a Tragic Tale...he was a Black Dr...and..was allowed to bleed to death in a Southern Hospital.

Good Luck with this Fine Tale of Survival & Tribute, Amigo...

Big Glad You're Still With Us Guy-Hug,
Stan

Hey James,
Great to see ya! Well, quick as somebody comes up with the music and the ability to post it, we'll BOTH get to hear it!

You know, you're right....probably thousands of people we've never heard of who've had a positive impact on a wide swath of the population. So everybody pick a person and get busy!
Thanks, my friend
Ben

Hey, Stanley...chiefclock&.....
Man, you cracked me up; the guy who wrote the book on colloquialisms is jumping on me for lay/lie!!
Actually, when you think about it, how would it have gone over if Dylan had written "Lie Lady Lie, or Clapton's "Lie down, Sally"? LOL
Actually, I DID have a lousy tune in mind and was using all the syllables for it. However, the "the" can easily go (and just now has, in fact, thanks to you!)

I appreciate the kind words and am "allus" proud to hear from you, big guy.
Thanks,
Ben

Ben,

First, glad you're still here to give us the pleasure of your finely crafted lyrics, and, even more importantly, so your family can still have you at hand rather only in their hearts.

No real nits on the lyric, per se. Nicely done.

Never experienced anything similar to this. Closest thing was in Viet Nam in Feb of 1966. A grenade went off within a few feet of me knocking me unconscieous for a while. When I woke up, had only a few pieces of shrapnel in my face. That's not nearly as traumatic as your experience.

Keep them fine lyrics a coming!

Alan

------------------
If I were but half as good as Dawg...I'd be twice as good as most.

Alan on Soundclick

Hey, Side
First off, thanks for your service to our country. The biggest non-religious thanks I give is to the men (and now women) who serve. Man, to think this is your 40 year anniversary of that brush with the grenade of death....Bet it doesn't seem anywhere near, huh? How much longer did you serve after that incident? You written any songs about those days? Would like to see them if you have...
Hey, thanks for the kind words, Alan. Really appreciate you!
Ben

Ben,

First, you're welcome. And then you asked how long I served after that. I spent 23 years in the Army, retired 1 July 1988. Tis kinda hard to believe it's been 40 years. Fortunately, I brought very little mental baggage home. That is a blessing within itself. Also got shot in the leg. But all is well in that department.

I spent 12 years in Germany, most of them, by my request. UI learned a lot about the USA by living in a foriegn ciountry all those years. But, that's an extended discussion for a different time!

Just wanted to reinforce my thanks that you're still here for us other writers and your family. That, too, is a blessing...for you and for us.

Keep those good ole lyrics coming. We sure do enjoy them!

No, I haven't written any songs per se about my experiences in the military. Several months ago, I wrote a song entitled "A Soldier's Story". It is not autobiographic. Nor is it a social or political statement about war. It's just a collection of randon personal thoughts that goes through one's mind in such a situation. Although some of the lyrics are inspired by personal experiences, the song as a whole is not about me. Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. It's currently on page 36 of this forum.

Waiting for some more fine lyrics from ya!

Alan

------------------
If I were but half as good as Dawg...I'd be twice as good as most.

Alan on Soundclick

[This message has been edited by sideman66 (edited 04-24-2006).]

Hey, Alan
Thanks, man. I'm gonna check it out while I got a minute!
Ben
PS SM, I've gone from 35-39 thrice and haven't found it. Gimme more details. (high-low-middle-current page!)

[This message has been edited by Ben F (edited 04-25-2006).]

Hi Ben,

I'm late to this, but wanted to let you know that I like it! What a nice, fitting tribute -- good job! I worked for a law firm once, and we purchased one. At first, everyone was worried about it being adminstered by law firm staff -- no one with a medical background. However, we were pleasantly assured that it can't be misused. Its use, apparently, has no effect on a properly functioning heart. The good doctor apparently thought of everything!!

Lisa

Hi Lisa,
I wrote a poem a few months after the incident, which was far more detailed than a song allows. I was in horrible pain when they zapped me for the 4th time. I clearly remember one of them saying , "Hit him again!" And I, in an otherworldly, pleading, weak voice said, "No, don't do that again". Of course, I didn't learn, until after I was released, that it was the fourth time! Talk about a Twilight Zone moment...
That is really interesting (that it won't affect those whose heart is fine)and you're right, it covers all the bases. All hail Dr. Pantridge. But you must mean simply it won't do damage, cos the pain is enormous.
Hey, thanks for your comments on this, Lisa. 'Preciate it.
Ben

YOWZER!!!! BEN!!!!
I have been told it really hurts ALOT ... fortunately for me .... all 4 times ... I was in an ER & they medicated me so I would not remember the pain!!! YIKES!!
Funny... before my condition was taken care of ... My good friend was going to get a defibrilator to have on his boat .. We love to sail .. but I was too afraid to leave the shore, afraid it might happen again.. and we wouldn't be able to get help ... Now THATS a good friend... I am grateful it isn't necessary ... certainly would never have wanted to put my friends through such an ordeal.
Whew .. life is good
Joanne


------------------
[*]The Best is Yet to Be,Joanne Lurgio-singer/songwriter www.joannelurgio.com

[*] Joanne's Gig Calendar - http://www.musi-cal.com/search?key=performers&value=Lurgio

[*] http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=100751
[*] www.cdbaby.com/cd/lurgio
[*] MySpace - www.myspace.com/joannelurgio
[*]www.cdbaby.com/group/justplainfolks


[This message has been edited by Joanne (edited 04-26-2006).]

Joanne,
I misunderstood. Thought you got zapped 4 times at once, same as me. So you actually went to hospital (that's how the Brits say it, no "the" )for the express purpose of getting shocked? That would mean, defibs are also used to simply (is that a DUMB adjective to use here or what?...but wait "simply" is an adverb, no? ) regulate heartbeat? As Johnny used to say, "I did not know that!".
Ben

that's awesome Ben...
I just read this for the first time. you are truly talented. there is always a little something in your stuff that makes me say "he didn't REALLY write THAT did he... and then I go ..."oh yeah it's a Ben song!

------------------

Ben, i have been accused of being dense about medical issues so forgive me if I ask; did Dr. Panridge invent the defibulator or was that the name of the doctor who was on the tarmac?

You wrote. "I pay tribute to the late, good Dr Pantridge" That was my only clue that he might be the guy who invented the machine. other wise I would think that Dr. P was really there. Either way, Tricia Baker is laughing at me right now just for asking the question.

You know NC, I just read your hacksaw job on Wy's lyric; now the BEST shot you got here is on confusion over Dr Pantridge.

First off, I state CLEARLY that I'm surrounded by THREE men on the tarmac!

Secondly, the tag, the very LAST words sung are....

"My Irish friend out in the great somewhere
Thanks for delaying my meeting with you there"
Is that a bit over your head, there, Nasville? Makes it tough to be a respected critter if you not incisive enough to discern the good doctor is dead.
Maybe I should explain, you see, the "great somewhere" has to do with the hereafter....life beyond death. He's there, but he delayed my meeting with him, thanks to his invention. Capish?
ben

Ben, think for a moment about why you had a heart attack. Could it be stress caused by taking things too seriously?

William Bennett Kouwenhoven is the scientist who discovered the electrical nature of the heart. Have a nice life.

Hey Nash -
I'm sure about this condesending attitude you are bringing to the forum. What's THAT all about!?!?

Just an FYI - Ben's info is absolutely correct ... Dr Pantridge developed the "portable defibrillator" which was used to save HIS life.
http://www.todayinsci.com/cgi-bin/indexpage.pl?http://www.todayinsci.com/10/10_03.htm[/UR L]

James Francis (Frank) Pantridge
Died 26 Dec 2004 (born 3 Oct 1916) Irish cardiologist who developed the life-saving portable defibrillator. He found out that death occurred within the first hour for 60% of males (up to middle-age) that died from heart attack, and of these, 90% suffered ventricular fibrillation. To begin earliest possible treatment, in 1965, Pantridge equipped an ambulance with a portable defibrillator. It achieved a 50% long-term patient survival rate. This pre-hospital coronary care plan was adopted rapidly in America and was used in 1972 when President Lyndon Johnson suffered a heart attack during a visit to Virginia. In 1979, the first automated external defibrillators (AEDs) became available. The British government lagged, but in 1990 funded defibrillators for all front-line ambulances in England.

However, William Bennett Kouwenhoven, - is credited with the same claim to fame... Hmmm
Kouwenhoven, William (Bennett) (1886–1975)
US educator and electrical engineer. While a professor of electrical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, he invented the first practical defibrillator used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. In 1959, he introduced the first-aid technique of external heart massage. Kouwenhoven was born in New York City.

Joanne



[This message has been edited by Joanne (edited 04-28-2006).]

KC & The One Man Band!!
Thanks, Ken. Those are really some nice words. That you would actually be able to recognize something because it has a touch of me in it (ASSUMING it ain't garbage! ), is truly humbling.
Thanks, buddy
Ben

Almost forgot to say thanks (what with the whirlwind around another lyric)to you, pard. Glad you set the record straight, for it was, indeed, a portable defib that saved me. It is noteworthy that both men lived to the ripe old age of 88. Yours truly will happily settle for that!
And, besides, Joanne, how the heck would you fit Kouwenhoven into a song??
Ben

Ben,

Very interesting experience, and putting it into a lyric is a great way to do the storytelling. I always like tribute pieces like this. Gratitude is rare enough that it lifts my spirit when I see it being extended by someone to another who has helped them.

Good work! Glad your still ticking.

Keep writing.

Skip

Coolest thing about this lyric is that you're here to write it.....

And another salute to the kind Dr.