A University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law professor has publicly credited his students with saving his life following a heart attack he suffered during a class session.
Professor Mike Maslanka was in the middle of teaching when he began experiencing severe symptoms and informed his students that he was unable to continue. He was promptly transported to Baylor’s emergency room, located approximately one mile away, where medical staff administered two electric shocks to restore his heart’s function.
Maslanka firmly believes, however, that he would not have survived long enough to receive that treatment had it not been for the swift and decisive actions of his students.
“The students saved my life. If the students had not been able to perform CPR when they did, I would have not been able to go to the emergency room and be shocked. They’re heroes,” he said.
Among those who immediately responded was Matthew Milton, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL currently enrolled as a law student.
Despite his extensive military background, Milton noted that he had first learned CPR as a teenager.
When his professor collapsed, he drew upon that foundational training to help sustain his life.
“I felt it – I felt breaking his ribs, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I knew it was about keeping him alive,” Milton said.
Other students also took immediate action, contacting emergency services, coordinating with first responders, and actively guiding the ambulance crew into the building.
“They kept their heads about them,” Maslanka said. “They went out to meet the ambulance to bring them into the school. And then another group, a third group, they prayed.”
Law student Daniela Sanchez was among those who played a key role in coordinating the emergency response. She contacted 911, directed the arriving ambulance, and simultaneously turned to her faith amid the unfolding crisis.
“I didn’t remember, not a verse, but I said, ‘Father God, in the name of Jesus, I declare victory and healing over this body,'” Sanchez said.
Several days later, a number of students visited Maslanka in the hospital, creating a profoundly emotional moment for the veteran educator.
“Three of the students in the logistics group came to visit me in the hospital,” he said. “And it was very emotional for me.”
Maslanka, who has devoted his career to teaching and mentoring future legal professionals, expressed his hope that his students’ courageous actions would motivate others to learn CPR and remain prepared to assist someone facing a medical emergency.
For Maslanka, their response carried a significance that extended far beyond mere physical survival. It granted him an opportunity to continue living.
“There was a tomorrow for me because of my students,” Maslanka said. “Every day is a lifetime. If we don’t do well today, we have a chance tomorrow. And those students gave me a chance because tomorrow is here and I’m here.”
