A heart-stopping moment turned into a heartwarming tale of survival and love for one Northern Ireland couple, Frank and Maura McNally. It was a typical Sunday morning in March 2021 when Frank, a 67-year-old civil servant and avid runner, returned home from a 5k run feeling “absolutely normal.” Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary day would take a dramatic turn.
As Frank relaxed in the living room, his wife Maura was tidying up in the kitchen when she suddenly heard him gasping for breath. Rushing to his side, Maura found Frank lying on the sofa, gasping for air, his heart had stopped. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, calling the emergency services for help. With the guidance of a call handler, Maura and a neighbor worked together to perform CPR on Frank until the paramedics arrived.
The quick response of Maura, the emergency services, and the proximity of the ambulance station near their home played a crucial role in saving Frank’s life. The paramedics worked tirelessly for 40 minutes, using a defibrillator to shock Frank twice before rushing him to Craigavon Area Hospital. There, he received additional medical interventions, including an induced coma, a stent placement, and an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).
Frank’s road to recovery was not easy, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when his family couldn’t visit him in the hospital. However, with the dedication of the medical team and the support of his loved ones, Frank emerged from the induced coma, grateful for a second chance at life. After four weeks in the Cardiology Unit, Frank was back to his active lifestyle, thanks to cardiac rehabilitation and the unwavering care he received.
Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Frank and Maura emphasized the importance of CPR training and readiness in saving lives. Their story resonated with many, especially as new data from the British Heart Foundation revealed that a significant percentage of people would feel reluctant or unconfident in performing CPR during a cardiac arrest.
With the majority of cardiac arrests occurring in homes, the BHF encouraged everyone to brush up on their lifesaving skills, especially as Valentine’s Day approached. The charity’s free online tool, RevivR, offered a convenient way for individuals to learn CPR and defibrillator usage in just 15 minutes, using a mobile phone or tablet.
Fearghal McKinney, Head of British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland, emphasized the importance of being prepared to act in case of a cardiac emergency. He urged the public to take the initiative to learn CPR, emphasizing that doing something is always better than doing nothing when it comes to saving lives.
As Heart Month unfolded, the message of readiness and action resonated with individuals across Northern Ireland. The call to keep hearts beating and be ready to respond to cardiac emergencies echoed through communities, inspiring many to take the first step in learning lifesaving skills.
In a world where every second counts in a cardiac emergency, the power of knowledge and readiness can make all the difference. Frank and Maura’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of swift action and the importance of being prepared to save a life when it matters most. As they continue their journey of recovery and resilience, their experience stands as a beacon of hope and encouragement for all who strive to be ready to act in times of crisis.
To find out more about learning CPR and keeping hearts beating, visit bhf.org.uk/heartmonth and take the first step towards making a difference in someone’s life.
