A South Australian farmer has flown back to the Sunshine Coast to personally thank health workers who helped save his life after a heart attack.
Ed Morris was swimming at the beach at Noosa with his wife and friends in February 2023 when he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.
His wife, Brooke, who helped drag him out of knee-deep water, could only watch as lifeguards immediately swung into action to try to save his life.
“I stood back so I am not really sure what happened, I just know they were working on him and gave him 16 defibs before he got to the hospital,” she said.
Ed was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital where emergency team members, including Doctor Henry Huang, were waiting for him.
“When he arrived, he was pretty unwell, we were all very worried and we had to stabilise him essentially to get him ready for what’s next – which was either through the intensive care or through the coronary care unit,” Dr Huang said.
Ed made it into intensive care after the tireless efforts of clinical teams.
“I had to say goodbye to Ed a few times, but that was probably my hardest thing, having ring my kids in South Australia and say you need to fly up and say goodbye to your dad,” Brooke said.
“We literally thought we were taking Ed home in a box, that’s where we were at, so the hospital was amazing – they saved his life.”
Ed spent two weeks in hospital before the Morris family was able to fly home to South Australia.
Although his brain function has not yet returned to full capacity, he has gone back to working on his farm, which includes 5000 acres of wheat, barley, lentils and hay.
Ed and Brooke recently returned to the Sunshine Coast to make some better memories and thank those involved in his care.
“The main thing is the fact my husband is alive, and the three kids have a dad. The incredible staff, it started from emergency and then it worked up, they never gave up … so I wanted to say thank you,” Brooke said.
“He’s doing well – very, very lucky – he’s a miracle.”
Dr Huang said a story like Ed’s was hard to forget.
“We seldom get to follow patients up after like this, and this was a very, very big life event for Ed, and to see him today in the flesh, back on the farm doing the things he loves and being with his family is just heart-warming,” he said.
“Honestly, I am grateful to be part of this journey for Ed. I feel like we’re somewhat bonded now in our experiences.”
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