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Spin Instructor Saved By Students After Heart Attack

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CHICAGO (CBS) -- A south suburban spin instructor was recuperating after heart bypass surgery; and two people in his spin class, along with a personal trainer, were credited with helping save his life last week.

At first, it was mass hysteria right after the spin instructor collapsed in class last Friday morning., according to Angie Mateja, a personal trainer at the Riviera Country Club in Orland Park.

Then, Mateja and two people in the spin class went into action.

"We got the defibrillator, we called 911," she said.

Mateja said the 64-year-old instructor is a friend of hers, and it was hard to believe he was having a heart attack, but she said they just followed the lifesaving procedures.

"It became extremely procedural when it happened, and that helps," Mateja said.

She said the spin instructor is recovering after bypass surgery, and Mateja has been shopping for a Christmas gift for him.

"We're buying him a new shirt, for the one we had to cut off him," she added.

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