During a recent sports event at Umhlanga Pier, specialist nurse Aneshree Govender found herself thrust into a life-or-death situation. Initially called to assist a runner feeling unwell, she was quickly confronted with a far more critical emergency. As the cardiac ward unit manager at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital, Govender was overseeing the hospital’s World Heart Day activities, offering free CPR and cholesterol testing to the community. But what began as a routine task soon escalated into a race against time to save a man’s life.
Chris Smith, a seasoned athlete with multiple Comrades Marathons and cycle races under his belt, was the victim. At 61, Smith considered himself in top physical condition, so he was shocked when he began experiencing chest pain during his 200th Parkrun. Although he slowed his pace and walked through some of the race, he managed to finish. Feeling dizzy afterward, Smith sat down under a tree to rest, unaware that he was about to suffer a heart attack. His wife, who was buying him a drink, watched in horror as he suddenly collapsed.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Smith’s wife rushed to find help, assisted by a concerned runner nearby. It was Govender who arrived on the scene first, and she immediately recognized the signs of a cardiac arrest. “His color had changed from normal to blue, and I knew we had to act fast,” Govender recalled. Without hesitation, she began chest compressions while Smith’s wife supported his airway. In these critical moments, every second counted, and the presence of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) nearby proved to be a life-saving asset.
The AED, a device designed to analyze a person’s heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary, was quickly brought to the scene. After just one shock, Smith’s heart rhythm was restored, and he regained consciousness. “We were incredibly fortunate that he responded after only one shock,” said Govender. “We are not always so lucky in these situations, but the quick response and availability of the AED made all the difference.” Smith was then rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where he was stabilized and admitted to the critical care unit for further treatment.
A subsequent angiogram revealed that Smith had severe blockages in his arteries and required immediate coronary artery bypass surgery. Through it all, Govender, who had remained by his side during his initial care, continued to oversee his recovery and post-surgery care. Smith’s journey from near-death to recovery is a testament to the life-saving power of timely medical intervention and the critical role that quick-thinking professionals like Govender play in such emergencies.
Reflecting on the incident, Govender emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparation when it comes to emergency medical situations. “In a matter of minutes, a routine event can turn into a life-or-death situation,” she said. “Having trained medical personnel, access to life-saving equipment like AEDs, and a responsive community can make all the difference in saving a life.” As for Smith, he has since recovered and is grateful for the intervention that allowed him to continue his passion for running—albeit with a new appreciation for his health.
