An Ocean Grove man who suffered a cardiac arrest says he was a 'ticking time bomb' and lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
Cam Quinten, 56, was at Epworth Geelong for a heart health appointment on the advice of his GP when he started feeling 'a bit ordinary' as he headed back to his car.
Cam began walking back to the hospital and just managed to reach the Emergency Department before collapsing.
Staff at Epworth Geelong are highly trained for situations like this, performing CPR and using a defibrillator before Cam underwent an emergency cardiac procedure in an induced coma.
He remained in intensive care for three days and spent the next 10 days recovering in hospital.
"It was by complete chance that I walked into the waiting room at Epworth Geelong. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time," Cam said.
"I believe Epworth staff saved my life - it's pretty amazing.
"I know for them, it's probably just what they do every day, but it's incredible what these people do for a job and how it has impacted someone like me."
Cam delivered thank you chocolates to his cardiologist and treating team and recently had his final neurological follow-up testing.
Epworth cardiologist, A/Prof Adam Hutchison, stated that only around 25% of patients survive an 'in hospital' cardiac arrest. That number decreased to around 5% if a person arrests in the community.
"If he had made the decision to go to the car, he probably wouldn't be with us today," A/Prof Hutchison said.
"Cardiac arrest is where the electrical system of the heart malfunctions and effectively you get no meaningful pumping of the heart, and the brain is starved of oxygen. CPR or defibrillation are vital.
"The reason why Cam is in such a good state is obviously luck that he had his cardiac arrest in the right place. The emergency department worked really well doing resuscitation and trying to keep his brain alive while we worked on his heart."
Cam had been prioritising regular GP check-ups in recent years and when his doctor found he had raised blood pressure at his most recent check-up, he took their advice to undergo a heart stress test - which is what brought him to Epworth Geelong. But he never realised how urgent the situation was.
He's now on a mission to spread the word about the importance of regular health checks.
"I am relatively young, fairly fit, I go for bike rides and walks in the morning and I eat a normal diet. It can happen to anyone," he said.
"I feel like a reformed smoker telling everyone they should go to the GP and get a check-up.
"Everyone around me has been interested in how I am going, but they are also thinking 'I should do something about my health too'. And that's a good thing."
Epworth Geelong Medical Services Director, Dr Matt Ryan, said with ABS data showing men are less likely to see a GP than women, it's important to be proactive and discuss any health concerns with your doctor.
"I'd encourage anyone feeling uncertain to book an appointment with their GP - you're better giving them a call than waiting and worrying," Dr Ryan said.
"For men in their mid-40s and older, regular heart health checks are particularly important to identify any risks early and stay on top of your heart health.
"Ultimately, if you make an appointment and there's nothing to worry about, you've still gained peace of mind."
