Good Samaritans save Wisconsin man in cardiac arrest at Mitchell International Airport

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Wisconsin man is grateful to be alive after going into cardiac arrest at Mitchell International Airport. And on Tuesday, he got the chance to meet the people who saved his life.

Michael Bowe flew into Milwaukee about three weeks ago. The 65-year-old was at baggage claim when his heart stopped beating. 

That's when two strangers, a nurse and off-duty paramedic, rushed to his aid. Using CPR and a defibrillator, they restarted his heart until paramedics arrived. 

Michael survived after a coronary artery bypass surgery at Aurora Saint Luke's to clear two completely blocked blood vessels.

"I remember the flight attendant telling us to put our seats up and tray table in the upright position, and the next thing I knew I woke up in the hospital that evening," Bowe said. "Very thankful to be here and very thankful for all these people."

"I'm amazed by this story," said Patrice Starrett, the nurse and good Samaritan who helped Bowe. "I didn't expect such an amazing outcome. Seeing him today, walking without any deficits is absolutely amazing."

Michael's surgeon says cardiac arrest survival is about 10 percent. And although Michael is still recovering, he's up and is clear to travel. 

He and his wife live in Florida during winter and they are flying there on Wednesday.