Life After Cardiac Arrest
Health & Wellness Podcasts
The Life After Cardiac Arrest podcast is hosted by survivor Paul Swindell and is conversations with people who's lives have been affected by a cardiac arrest, whether that be as a patient, partner, life saver or health professional. The podcast aims to give insight, information and hope to any others going through this life changing event.
A cardiac arrest is when someone's heart stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, it's different to a heart attack, which is a "plumbing" problem, although many cardiac arrests are caused by a heart attack.
Someone in cardiac arrest could be said to be clinically dead, and if no intervention is made they will unfortunately stay that way and die. In the UK only 8% survive this event, and with an estimated 250 taking place each day there is a growing number of survivors.
A thriving peer support community - Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK - has grown out of the need for more information and help for survivors and their families post discharge. The NHS and chain of survival are doing remarkable things in helping people survive but unfortunately the system hasn't yet caught up with the problems that survivors and their families are experiencing after this life changing event.
If you have been affected by a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, come and join over a thousand others at:
facebook.com/groups/SuddenCardiacArrestUK
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Location:
United Kingdom
Description:
The Life After Cardiac Arrest podcast is hosted by survivor Paul Swindell and is conversations with people who's lives have been affected by a cardiac arrest, whether that be as a patient, partner, life saver or health professional. The podcast aims to give insight, information and hope to any others going through this life changing event. A cardiac arrest is when someone's heart stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, it's different to a heart attack, which is a "plumbing" problem, although many cardiac arrests are caused by a heart attack. Someone in cardiac arrest could be said to be clinically dead, and if no intervention is made they will unfortunately stay that way and die. In the UK only 8% survive this event, and with an estimated 250 taking place each day there is a growing number of survivors. A thriving peer support community - Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK - has grown out of the need for more information and help for survivors and their families post discharge. The NHS and chain of survival are doing remarkable things in helping people survive but unfortunately the system hasn't yet caught up with the problems that survivors and their families are experiencing after this life changing event. If you have been affected by a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, come and join over a thousand others at: facebook.com/groups/SuddenCardiacArrestUK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Twitter:
@WeAreSCAUK
Language:
English
Episodes
#050 The good samaritan with Professor Mark Wilson
7/3/2020
In episode 50, the season 2 finale, Paul talks with Professor Mark Wilson who is qualified in both neurology and pre-hospital care and works at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and for Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust. He is also the co-founder of the GoodSAM platform and app and this is what we talk about today.
Professor Wilson takes us through the inception of the platforma as a way to reduce deaths from cardiac arrest and it's take-up by many across the UK and further afield. The platform has gained additional services and responsibilities and is being used to manage the NHS Coronavirus Volunteer responders programme.
In just a few years the GoodSAM team have built an enviable platform and reputation and Professor Wilson takes us through what it can do to help those in cardiac arrest and beyond.
If you enjoyed this podcast please do leave a positive review on Apple or other podcast providers as it helps us to spread the word.
Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.
Recorded June 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:32:14
#049 Saving my father with Mark Holt
6/26/2020
Paul talks to son and lifesaver Mark Holt about his father's cardiac arrest in a remote Lake District pub. Mark takes us through the event that occurred soon after his seemingly fit and healthy father had completed a run and a walk up the Old Man of Coniston. Mark talks about his work as a carer and how the experience of doing CPR in a medical environment differs from doing it on a family member far away from a hospital. He talks about how it has affected him and his family, his dad's recovery and how a previous stranger's cardiac arrest effectively saved his dad's life.
Presented and edited by Paul Swindell
Recorded in June 2020
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:48:50
#048 Predicting patient outcomes with Professor Tobias Cronberg
6/19/2020
Paul talks with consultant neurologist Professor Tobias Cronberg from Lund University in Sweden on predicting how patients will do after they have had a cardiac arrest.
If you listened to episode #044 you will know that Professor Cronberg has a deep interest in brain injury after a cardiac arrest and recently The Lancet published a major review he led into the current state of this subject from prognostication through to rehabilitation.
This episode focuses on the prognostication aspect and Professor Cronberg gives us some insights into the tools and techniques that are used and the whys and hows of decisions that are made when reasoning on the possible outcomes.
Please be warned that this may be a difficult episode for some to listen to as the professor talks about the stark realities of surviving a cardiac arrest even if you get to the hospital alive.
If you enjoyed this podcast please do leave a positive review on Apple or other podcast providers as it helps us to spread the word.
Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.
Recorded June 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:59:54
#047 ICD Owners 101
6/12/2020
Paul talks about a device that many sudden cardiac arrest survivors have implanted, an ICD - Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.
This episode is an introduction (or "101") into the sorts of things that those with an ICD should be aware of. He covers what an ICD is and why you might have one, what they do and what some of the things to be aware of.
Packed full of tips and useful information around this device that is becoming more and more common.
An episode for anyone with an ICD whether they've had a cardiac arrest or not.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
ICD Precautions
ICD Shocks
ICD Sounds
ICD Protection
ICD Electro Magnetic Compatibility
ICD Support Centre Locator
Ask The ICD
Doug Rachac ICD YouTube Channel
Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.
Recorded June 2020
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:38:37
#046 Magnesium for ectopics and palpitations with Dr Sanjay Gupta
6/5/2020
Paul talks with consultant cardiologist Dr Sanjay Gupta on a supplement that he's found to be beneficial for cardiac patients who experience ectopics and palpitations. And that supplement is Magnesium and in this episode Dr Gupta takes us through what ectopics and palpitations are and why he recommends taking magnesium for them. He talks about the various types of magnesium available and which ones to buy and which ones to avoid. There's lots of great help if you are experiencing ectopics or palpitations or just want to know a little more about what goes on in your heart. Another essential listen from this popular YouTube cardiologist.
Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.
Recorded March 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:25:37
#045 The ultimate survivor with Jonathan Jenkyn
5/29/2020
Paul talks with the very remarkable Jonathan Jenkyn who has not only survived a sudden cardiac arrest, but also a potentially fatal kidney condition and he has recently beaten an aggressive form of cancer.
Jonathan maybe extremely unlucky in having had the Grim Reaper have 3 attempts at him, and although he defeated this wiley foe he did not escape entirely unscathed from the experiences.
However, he is wiser and more upbeat than many and has a positive outlook and attitude to life that many of us would do well to take note of. He takes us through both his cancer and cardiac arrest experiences, his running, his loss of ability to play the guitar, the benefits of giving back and he imparts some very interesting information about ICD's along the way.
He also compares the two experiences and the impact that they have had on him and his family.
An amazing story of survival, told in an eloquent and engaging way from someone who has earned the right to the accolade of "the ultimate survivor."
An essential listen to survivors of all types and beyond!
P.S. A few days after recording this episode Jonathan fulfilled one of his bucket list by recording a song with his daughter and he released it on Youtube, it's rather good and will inspire all those who may have lost some musical ability after an event like an SCA.
Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.
Recorded May 2020
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:01:39:24
#044 Post arrest cooling with Professor Tobias Cronberg
5/22/2020
Paul talks with Professor Tobias Cronberg from Lund University in Sweden who is a consultant in Neurology and has a deep interest in brain injury after a cardiac arrest.
Professor Cronberg has been working with cooling technologies for over 20 years and is a senior member of the team behind the world wide Targeted Temperature Management 2 (TTM2) trial. The trial is a continuation of the original TTM trial and with almost 2000 patients enrolled, it will supercede it as the largest trial on temperature management as a post-cardiac arrest intervention.
Professor Cronberg talks about the history of cooling and what the study hopes to achieve and where it currently is.
A fascinating overview of this intervention that many cardiac arrest patients will have received as part of their treatment.
Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded April 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:38:29
#043 Tracking cardiac arrest outcomes with Professor Terry Brown
5/15/2020
Paul talks with assistant Professor Terry Brown on the out of hospital outcomes registry which is a project conducted by The University of Warwrick medical school. Terry takes us through what the registry is and how it fits in internationally (CARES, EURECA, PAROS), what information they collect and some of the projects that they have been looking at. From the data they have collated from the 11 ambulance services in England they have produced a number of outputs and have calculated the stats that are commonly quoted such as the survival rate of 8-10%. Terry also talks about how the data from the registry is helping to shape the future by guiding them on what areas of the country need better coverage of defibrillators and CPR training and how drones may deliver AED's to needy areas. Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded March 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:34:59
#042 Visualising the heart with Dr Sanjay Gupta
5/8/2020
Paul talks with consultant cardiologist Dr Sanjay Gupta on a subject that he specialises in, cardiac imaging. Dr Gupta takes us through the various tools that he uses such as echocardiogram, computerised tomography (CT) scanning and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning. Dr Gupta explains everything about these techniques that patients need to know and also talks about how future tools may help prevent the main cause of sudden cardiac adeaths - heart attacks. Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded March 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:26:09
#041 Happy 5th Birthday Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK
5/1/2020
1st May 2020 marks the 5th anniversary of the creation of Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK and Paul takes us through the first 5 years if the group. He talks about the formation and characteristics of the group and thanks some of the key players along the way. Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded April 2020.
Links mentioned in this episode include:
Leaflet
Books
Shop
Donate
Dr Keeble
SADS UK
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:31:09
#040 Question time #1 with Dr Tom Keeble
4/24/2020
In a follow up of last weeks episode Paul continues his talk with LACA regular consultant cardiologist Dr Tom Keeble. Dr Keeble answers cardiology questions that have been put to him by members of Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK. These include the subjects of beta-blockers, electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, atherosclerosis (furring of the arteries) and future risk, anti-platelet therapy, super-asperin, ectopics, ICD's (implant healing and leads). Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded April 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:36:30
#039 My Coronavirus (COVID19) experience with Dr Tom Keeble
4/17/2020
Paul talks with LACA regular consultant cardiologist Dr Tom Keeble. Dr Keeble talks about the current COVID-19 pandemic including his personal experiences as both a doctor treating patients and as someone who has has a suspected case of the disease. He also answers some questions from members of SCA UK on this topic. Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded April 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:42:33
#038 The 8 seconds of dying with Jamie Poole
4/10/2020
Paul talks with cardiac arrest survivor Jamie Poole, an Australian in London. Jamie had his first cardiac arrest when he was just 20 years and outs his survival down to wearing a suit. After Jamie's first close call he gets an ICD and takes us through his experiences of having numerous appropriate shocks, of which he knows by the feeling that has become the 8 seconds of dying. Having a serious heart condition hasn't stopped Jamie from having a positive outlook on life and his eagerness to make the most of it by seeing the world is very refreshing. Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded January 2020
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:06:06:46
#037 Coronavirus (COVID19) and the heart with Dr Sanjay Gupta
4/3/2020
Paul talks with consultant cardiologist Dr Sanjay Gupta about his social media contributions and in particular recent videos concerning the current Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. Dr Gupta takes us from his low-key start providing valuable information for cardiac patients to now having over 150,000 YouTube subscribers and with over 1.5M views on one video alone! His recent videos have featured the Coronavirus and we talk about those and other related cardiac concerns that patients may have. Presented and edited by Paul Swindell. Recorded March 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:28:34
#036 Mental health care post cardiac arrest with Liz Sharpe
3/27/2020
Paul talks with mental health counsellor and therapist Liz Sharpe. Through her business Live Your LIfe Therapies, Liz helps people deal with various mental health issues including dealing with trauma. Liz presented a well received practical workshop at the Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK Guinness World Record Attempt which led her to go on and work at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre treating patients as part of the Care After REsuscitation clinic. A great chat about mental health care with some great practical tips that anyone can use. Presented by Paul Swindell and edited by Matt Nielson. Recorded January 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:58:25
#035 Lives before profit with the HeartHero disruptive AED
3/20/2020
Paul talks with Gary Montague, who went from being in the CIA to the CEO of start-up HeartHero, who are bringing a new Automated External Defibrillator to the market. Gary talks about his childhood which ultimately is the motivation for starting this journey and he runs us through how he has gone from nothing to the position where they have a viable device which is ready for official testing and approval. An engrossing look into the world of defibrillators and how their device is attempting to bring AED's into the 21st Century. The device is being targetted as a "Lifestyle" device and will be small, stylish, use off-the-shelf batteries and feature technologies such as smartphone integration, GPS tracking, automated emergency services calling and they aim to build the highest-quality and least-expensive AED on the market. If they achieve their aim they will perhaps disrupt the market place for the greater good. Presented by Paul Swindell and edited by Matt Nielson. Recorded January 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:01:07:02
#034 The smartband helping ICD owners with Kristian Webb
3/13/2020
Paul talks with Kristian Webb, a Cardiac Physiologist and CEO of LOIS Medical a startup developing a new wearable device for those with an ICD. Kristian tells us of the story of how he got into Cardiac Physiology and his desire to help more people through various mediums such as books (as Carl Robinson) and courses (Medmastery) and more recently as part of a start-up. LOIS Medical is developing a new wearable device, the LOIS Respond to alert loved ones when someone they know with an ICD receives a shock with the aim of providing extra reassurance that the wearer is ok, thus alleviating any unnecessary stress and worry. Presented by Paul Swindell and edited by Matt Nielson. Recorded January 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:01:14:37
#033 Managing fatigue with Donna Malley
3/6/2020
Paul talks with fatigue expert Donna Malley who is an Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist at the Oliver Zangwill Centre for brain injury rehabilitation. She has over 30 years of experience and has a keen interest in working with patients who experience fatigue after a brain injury. Amongst contributing to numerous studies she was also a co-author on the excellent Headway booklet - Managing Fatigue. She talks about the various types of fatigue and how they can impact a cardiac arrest survivor. She also provides some useful insights and strategies that can be used to help alleviate the effects of fatigue. Another essential listen from the team at the OZC! Presented by Paul Swindell and edited by Matt Nielson. Recorded January 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:56:55
#032 Thanks for the memory with Professor Barbara Wilson
2/28/2020
Paul talks with the world-renowned clinical neuropsychologist Professor Barbara Wilson OBE. Amongst her many achievements, Barbara founded the Oliver Zangwill Centre for brain injury rehabilitation and also authored over 200 papers and 30 books on the subject. She has a wealth of experience regarding memory issues, which is one of the top post-arrest issues that survivors report. She talks about what memory is, how a cardiac arrest survivors memory can be affected by their down time, how the brain works and some of the strategies that can be used to alleviate memory problems. Presented by Paul Swindell and edited by Matt Nielson. Recorded January 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:00:52:54
#031 The current state of resuscitation with Professor Jerry Nolan
2/20/2020
Paul talks with Professor Jerry Nolan, who is a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine at the Royal United Hospital, Bath and Honorary Professor of Resuscitation Medicine at the University of Bristol. He is also the current Chair of the European Resuscitation Council and in 2016 the American Heart Association awarded him the honourary title of "A Giant of Resuscitation". The conversation covers a wide range of topics from the current state of resuscitation in UK and Europe, including statistics, why in hospital and out of hospital cardiac arrests are categorised seperately, "routine" operations post arrest, the Chain of Survival, the new ERC guidelines, the importance of public involvement, cardiac arrest outcome measures, the problem with the CPC "Good" label, improving rehabilitation, PTSD in those involved in resuscitation, GoodSam and other new technologies. Presented by Paul Swindell and edited by Matt Nielson. Recorded February 2020.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Duration:01:09:54