CEDAR CITY, Utah — A Cedar City man is returning home a week after it seemed like his life was coming to an end in a supermarket parking lot.

But it turns out he was given a new lease of life by two people who didn’t take the term “out of order” seriously.

About a week ago, in this Cedar City Smith’s parking lot, Marco Pesantez, 77, was carrying his groceries when he suddenly passed out due to cardiac arrest. It turned out there was a little luck on his side.

“There were a couple of off-duty paramedics who actually came out at the same time, they saw what happened and were able to provide CPR immediately and effectively, which is why he is with us today,” Ana Turpin, daughter of Pesantez.

About two and a half years ago, Pesantez fell in love with Cedar City and moved there with his entire family from Las Vegas. He continued working to provide care until his cardiac arrest, working shifts at the local Chili’s.

She had just cashed her check after shopping at Smith’s when she collapsed.

Market workers said they did not expect him to survive and were surprised to learn that he had recovered and was going home. Turpin said he is indebted to the two off-duty paramedics “for eternity.”

“I mean, they saved my dad’s life,” he said. “And thanks to them, it is still here. The doctor, the cardiologist, told us that if he hadn’t received CPR right away like he did, he probably would have suffered brain damage from not having oxygen to his brain.

Turpin said that after spending a week at St. George Regional Hospital after being flown there, Pesantez would be released Monday afternoon.

“The doctors were very shocked by how things happened. about his quick recovery.”

The only worry for Pesántez and his family now: medical bills.

“His bills are astronomical and I think that’s what’s weighing him down and not allowing him to continue recovering like he should,” Turpin said.

Turpin and the rest of the family are trying to raise some money online for his recovery. But they say they’re grateful for two anonymous paramedics who didn’t take the term off-duty seriously.

Anyone who wants to donate can do so through this GoFundMe page.