Swift Community Action and French Hospital's Advanced Cardiac Care Save Man's Life After Sudden Collapse

Photo above: Bob Moloznik, center right, poses for a photo with the teams of first responders and hospital personnel at French Hospital who worked to save his life after he went into cardiac arrest while in a yoga class earlier this year.

---

Community, First Responders, and Hospital Medical Team Honored for Seamless Collaboration in Miracle Recovery

San Luis Obispo, CA, December 12, 2025 – At an emotional reunion in French Hospital Medical Center’s healing garden Friday, a cardiac arrest survivor expressed profound gratitude to the remarkable network of community heroes and medical professionals who collaboratively saved his life. 

This event, celebrating Bob Moloznik's full recovery, powerfully underscores the life-saving impact of a rapid, interconnected "Chain of Survival" – a testament to collaborative excellence from immediate bystander action to specialized hospital care.

"It's hard to believe that so many people can be involved in a situation for one person," Moloznik shared with those gathered. "The coordination and the communication with all of you is amazing. And I know that it takes a lot of practice and rehearsal, and all the training that you've had. It worked."

This past April, during his morning yoga class at the Pismo Beach Athletic Club, Moloznik, now 83, collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest. What followed was a precisely orchestrated symphony of quick thinking, compassionate intervention, and leading-edge medical expertise, culminating in his triumphant outcome.

"This is a case where everything really worked the way we would want," stated Dr. William Mulkerin, an emergency room physician at Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center and the Medical Director for San Luis Obispo County Emergency Medical Services Agency. “Today is an opportunity to celebrate Bob and celebrate the great care, from start to finish, which I really appreciate.”

The critical "Chain of Survival" rapidly engaged when Bob's friend, JoAnn Green, recognized the emergency, prompting Pismo Beach Athletic Club staff to immediately call 911. Pismo PD dispatchers Deborah Moskowitz and Jessica Kwong skillfully initiated the emergency response, mobilizing a coordinated team.

Crucially, Janet Leonard, a retired respiratory therapist who was also in the yoga class, immediately began CPR. Simultaneously, club staff quickly deployed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), delivering three life-saving shocks before first responders arrived. This immediate, pre-hospital intervention proved invaluable.

Pismo Fire Department firefighter paramedics Seth Neuschwander and Hugo Roche arrived swiftly, taking over advanced life support and CPR. Bob's pulse was restored shortly after, marking a pivotal moment. The San Luis Ambulance crew, Glenna Aycock and Keenan Levine, then seamlessly transitioned Bob into their care for urgent transport to French Hospital Medical Center.

Upon arrival at French Hospital's Emergency Department, under the expert care of Dr. Clint Slaughter and the emergency department team, including treating nurse Jimmy Tsoi, Bob was already showing signs of awareness.

"By the time he got to the ER, our job was much easier than it could have been because of the other people that saw (Bob) previously," explained Dr. Matthew Scales, representing French Hospital's emergency department.

The emergency department team was able to focus on diagnostics, monitoring, and stabilization, preparing Moloznik for advanced cardiac care.

Bob's comprehensive care continued in French Hospital's state-of-the-art cath lab. Under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Tway, diagnostic procedures confirmed an electrical heart issue, not a blockage. Kristi Dickson, the Cath Lab Director, highlighted their team's rapid mobilization to ensure Moloznik received immediate, specialized attention. Dr. Tway then implanted a cardiac defibrillator, a device designed to continuously monitor Bob's heart rhythm and intervene should future cardiac events occur, acting as a safeguard for his future.

This outcome vividly illustrates the paramount importance of quick action and the seamless integration of emergency services with advanced medical facilities. French Hospital Medical Center stands as a vital cornerstone within this robust chain of care, offering cutting-edge cardiac care that profoundly impacts lives. Moloznik's story is a testament to what is possible when every link in the chain performs with unwavering excellence, dedication, and a shared commitment to saving lives.

Today, Moloznik is not only a survivor but is back to his yoga classes. "I'm so overwhelmed by all of you,” he told the crowd of medical personnel at the event. “We thank you. You are the backbone of our community.”

###

About French Hospital Medical Center

French Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 98-bed acute care hospital located in San Luis Obispo, California. French’s Oppenheimer Family Center for Emergency Medicine is the area’s most advanced emergency services center. The modern facility is home to the Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center, San Luis Obispo County’s premier cardiac center, providing the latest cardiac and imaging technology, and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. 

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/frenchhospital

About Dignity Health Central Coast

Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific 

Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast