Marcus Rodrigs

Marcus collapsed without any warning signs or symptoms….

Marcus Rodrigs, an otherwise healthy local University Academic ,experienced a sudden out of hospital cardiac arrest on the 29th of April 2022 at 0930pm. Whilst out dancing with friends at the local Bowling Club and experiencing nil warning symptoms he collapsed to the floor becoming unresponsive. Quick thinking friends called 000 and two retired nurses who were on scene took action and commenced CPR. Fortunately, paramedics arrived on scene within 5 minutes of the call to 000 and Marcus was defibrillated successfully. Marcus was transported to the John Hunter Hospital, where he was rushed to have a emergency angiogram and later underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. Post this traumatic ordeal, he is now back to his usual daily activities and working full time at his role with the University of Newcastle

Marcus is incredibly grateful to the bystanders who were quick thinking, recognising that he was in cardiac arrest and started CPR, and also to the highly skilled paramedics who together with bystanders, saved his life. Marcus is now an active advocate for community members to learn the life-saving skill of CPR, how to use a defibrillator and utilising the Good SAM app that links community responders with people experiencing cardiac arrests. He is thankful to God, the staff at the John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle Private Hospital, The University of Newcastle and most importantly NSW Ambulance Service for his life.