PRECARE

Bekir was at his local shopping centre in March 2025 when he went into cardiac arrest. Just 4 minutes after Triple 0 was called, the first Ambulance arrived on scene.

‘The rapid response at the moment of my cardiac arrest and the immediate medical intervention made all the difference. Every second mattered, and the Ambulance’s quick and coordinated actions ensured that my body continued to receive oxygen and care…’

Bekir’s local Medical Centre started lifesaving CPR and placed a defibrillator on, which shocked his heart twice in the minutes before the first Ambulance turned up, however, his heart would not restart. The Paramedics worked tirelessly, providing another two shocks and life-saving medications, however every time they were able to get Bekir’s heart started again, he would go back into cardiac arrest. The PRECARE team made the decision to put Bekir onto prehospital ECMO right there in the shopping centre.

‘The ECMO machine played a vital role by taking over the function of my heart and lungs during that critical time, allowing my body the chance to rest and recover. I am alive today thanks to all of you.’

Putting Bekir onto prehospital ECMO provided oxygen to his vital organs, reducing organ damage throughout his cardiac arrest, this enabled the Ambulance crews to transport him safely to the nearest ECMO capable hospital, where they could continue his care, moving him immediately to surgery and treating the underlying cause of his cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the incredible overall response and care provided, just 20 days after Bekir’s cardiac arrest, he was discharged home safely back to his family, now even more thankful for the time they have to spend together.

‘After returning home from the hospital, I was able to get back to my normal life in a very short time. I even travelled to my hometown in Turkey and enjoyed a wonderful three-month holiday. I’m hoping to go again and stay even longer soon. During this time, my second grandchild was born, and my grandchildren, my daughters, and all my friends have given me so much positive energy. After my holiday, I also resumed my participation in my music ensemble group.’

Bekir continues to express his gratitude to the entire health care team that worked tirelessly to get him back to his family, and back to living his life to the fullest.

‘I would like to sincerely thank the team who brought me back to life with incredible effort after the heart attack I had, as well as everyone who supported me during my 20-day stay in the hospital. By taking my prescribed medications regularly, I’ve been able to continue my life in a healthy and positive way. I am deeply grateful to God and to all of you who made these days possible for me.’

At the time Bekir was put on prehospital ECMO, the PRECARE program was in a trial period, without it, Bekir’s story may have had a different outcome, one his family and daughter Aslii is all too aware of.

‘It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the care that saved my father’s life. I was quite shocked to hear that the ECMO machine was only available on a limited trial basis for certain days of the week. It’s confronting to think that if my dad’s heart attack had happened on a different day, the outcome might have been very different. This experience has shown me just how life-saving this service is and how important it is for it to be readily available when every second counts.’

PRECARE thanks Bekir and Aslii for telling their story.