“A defibrillator saved my life” - three-time Ryder Cup Captain Bernard Gallacher (OBE)

Today marks the start of World Heart Rhythm Week (6-12 June 2022), initiated by Arrhythmia Alliance, an annual, global occasion to raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders.

In light of events over the last couple of years, there is an increased awareness of sportspeople suffering sudden cardiac arrests, highlighting that it can happen to anyone.

As a professional golfer and sudden cardiac arrest survivor, Bernard Gallacher (OBE), explains: “You can be fully fit, you can go to the gym, you can run, you can play golf, you can play sports, and you can still have a cardiac arrest."

Yet according to Arrhythmia Alliance’s survey: More than a third of people don’t know if their sports club has an AED.

In March this year, Arrhythmia Alliance issued a survey to better understand the public’s awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and access to life-saving equipment.

A total of 240 people responded and the findings showed that, should someone suffer a sudden cardiac arrest:

1 in 5 people don’t know how to perform CPR.

1 in 3 people don’t know where their nearest AED is located.

Although most of those who responded know what an AED is, more than 50% said they don’t know how to use one.

To raise awareness, today Arrhythmia Alliance, supported by Medtronic, have launched a video campaign with Bernard Gallacher, about his experience of a sudden cardiac arrest.

In 2013, the three-time Ryder Cup Captain, collapsed, suffering a sudden cardiac arrest whilst delivering a speech at a hotel. If it wasn’t for the quick actions of those around him and the prompt use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – Bernard wouldn’t be here today to tell his story.

In the video series, Bernard and his wife, Lesley, explain what happened on that frightful day, highlight the importance of having an AED nearby and the peace of mind that his Implantable Cardiac Device (ICD) has offered since.

In the interview, talking about what happened, the quick actions of others and the life-saving equipment available, Lesley said: “You know he had everything, he had the best chance ever.” Lesley also reiterated that “Not everybody can be saved, but everybody deserves the chance to be saved.”

Over the years, just as ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the pitch in 2012 has, Bernard has worked closely with Arrhythmia Alliance to campaign for the importance of easy access to defibrillators in both the community and at sporting facilities.

Bernard and Lesley both go on to talk about life since Bernard’s sudden cardiac arrest 9 years ago. Whilst in hospital, Bernard was fitted with an ICD, which in turn saved his life again. The ICD kicked into action when required and shocked Bernard’s heart back into normal rhythm, when he suffered two further cardiac arrests at home.

CLICK HERE to view the video series with former PGA Captain Bernard Gallacher.

CLICK HERE to find out more about defibrillators.

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