Nicholas continued holding Apa’s hand as others worked to save her life.

While the bystanders focused on keeping the runner alive, another concern was developing: how long it would take the marathon’s medical team to reach her.

The Seven-Minute Gap Before Medical Help Arrived

Timestamped photographs and videos reviewed by The New York Times placed Apa’s collapse at approximately 1:33 p.m.

A marathon medical team wearing red shirts arrived by 1:40 p.m., roughly seven minutes later. The newspaper reported that a defibrillator was used between 1:41 p.m. and 1:50 p.m.

New York Road Runners, the marathon’s organizer, confirmed that medical personnel used a defibrillator before paramedics transported Apa by ambulance.

Nicholas later criticized the time it took professional responders to arrive. “It was an unacceptable amount of time,” she told the NYT.

As the rescue unfolded, Apa’s parents were watching her progress through the marathon’s tracking application. They had no way of knowing from the frozen location alone what had happened.

Rachel Apa’s Parents Watched Her Marathon Progress Suddenly Stop

Apa’s parents noticed that their daughter’s location remained at Mile 24 as the minutes passed. Her mother went to investigate and reached the scene just as the ambulance carrying Apa was leaving, according to the NYT.