The lifelong bond between a cardiac arrest survivor and his care team
PULSE Issue 45 | July 2025
To be pulled back from the edge is to be reminded how fragile and precious life is. Markus was given a second lease on life when he was resuscitated from a cardiac arrest ten years ago, thanks to the timely intervention from his wife and the medical team at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS).
Markus, who was from Switzerland but was based in Singapore for work 10 years ago, experienced a sudden cardiac arrest and passed out without warning. Recalling the harrowing experience, his wife, Amy, shared on how she had to grapple with both the shock and anguish even as she instinctively responded to Markus’ cardiac arrest by performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - a timely skill which she picked up just months earlier. Emergency responders who arrived shortly after promptly administered two defibrillator shocks on Markus before rushing him to the nearest hospital’s emergency department, where he was attended to by A/Prof Mark Chan, Deputy Executive Director and Senior Consultant, NUHCS, the interventionist1 on duty.
Quickly recognising the circumstances of the cardiac arrest, A/Prof Mark led his team to work on bringing Markus out of the critical situation. Despite having been resuscitated from his cardiac arrest, Markus entered a 17-day coma, during which Amy kept vigil over him, along with the relentless care of the NUHCS Coronary Care Unit (CCU)’s nurses and medical team. When Markus finally awoke, it was to the quiet realisation that he had been given a second chance at life. Not only was Markus’ life saved, but him and Amy were given another opportunity to continue a future together – one which now held renewed significance, in light of his unexpected health crisis.
Living differently, fully, and more gratefully
While they eventually returned to Switzerland, Markus and Amy began a tradition of travelling all the way back to Singapore to visit the team at NUHCS every year - driven by the deep gratitude they harbour for the medical team who cared for Markus, whom they regard as “extended family” that have played a pivotal role in his recovery journey. Hearts welling up with emotion, both sides reconnect annually with hugs and embraces, cherishing the bond of deep friendship which has blossomed over the years.
Coming back (to NUHCS) was, and still is today, like coming back to a second home.
- Markus, cardiac arrest survisor who shares a decade-long friendship with NUHCS
Their most recent visit to NUHCS was to be exceptionally memorable, as the NUHCS team had specially prepared a small gathering to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Markus’ recovery from cardiac arrest. At this heartfelt reunion, Amy was also presented with the NUHCS Inspirational Caregiver Award, an accolade given to individuals or caregivers who played a key role in contributing to survival rates during life-threatening events, especially in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidences.
Being the first to initiate CPR on the then unconscious Markus – a noteworthy act that greatly shaped the favourable outcomes of Markus’ recovery – Amy was honoured for her decisive thinking and courage in such critical life-and-death scenarios. For the couple, their story is more than one of recovery, but an uplifting chapter of enduring gratitude, resilience, and powerful human connection – a testament to the frontline team’s commitment as they strive to care with empathy and serve with excellence in their invaluable daily work.
