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Life After Cardiac Arrest
The real world of SCA survivorship
Latest episode
13. #063 The state of resuscitation in 2026 with Professor Jerry Nolan
01:04:45||Season 3, Ep. 13In this episode, host Paul Swindell reconnects with Professor Jerry Nolan — editor in chief of the journal Resuscitation and a leading figure in resuscitation science — six years after their first conversation.Together, they explore how survival rates have plateaued amid changing patient demographics, the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac arrest outcomes, and the massive collaborative effort behind the 2025 ERC guidelines, which for the first time formally included patient and co-survivor involvement.They discuss key changes, including the redesigned Chain of Survival — now featuring a dedicated survivorship ring — the shift away from routine cooling after cardiac arrest, advances in prognostication that can now predict good outcomes (not just poor ones), and the emerging role of AI in everything from analysing 999 calls to streamlining guideline development.Professor Nolan also shares his views on genetic screening for younger cardiac arrest survivors, the growing recognition of co-survivors and the psychological toll on bystanders, and why the evidence base for post-arrest rehabilitation remains frustratingly thin despite widespread acknowledgement of the need.A wide-ranging and honest conversation about where resuscitation science stands today — and what still needs to change.
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12. #062 This, My Second Life with Patrick Charnley
01:01:41||Season 3, Ep. 12This episode features an extraordinary conversation with Patrick Charnley, author of the acclaimed novel This My Second Life, who suffered a cardiac arrest in February 2021 that left him with a severe brain injury. Host Paul Swindell talks with Patrick about his remarkable journey—from 40 minutes without a heartbeat, through cortical blindness, hallucinations, and pathological apathy, to discovering that his brain injury unlocked a new depth and honesty in his writing. Together, they explore the realities of living with fatigue and memory loss, the importance of mourning your previous life, and how slowing down can lead to a richer, more present existence. Patrick also shares how nature, creativity, and the literary legacy of his mother, celebrated author Helen Dunmore, have shaped his recovery and his work. Whether you're a survivor, a co-survivor, or simply looking for a story of resilience and hope, this episode offers both insight and inspiration.Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.Recorded February 2026.11. #061 Co-Survivor advocacy with Kristin Flanary
55:26||Season 3, Ep. 11This episode shines a spotlight on the vital role of co-survivors—those whose lives are deeply impacted when a loved one experiences a medical crisis. Host Paul Swindell is joined by Kristin Flanary, also known as Lady Glaucomflecken, a leading advocate and communicator who has turned her personal journey as a three-time co-survivor into a powerful movement. Together, they discuss the challenges co-survivors face, the importance of naming and validating their experiences, and how Kristin and her husband, Dr Glaucomflecken, have built a supportive community through humour and advocacy. Whether you’re a survivor, a co-survivor, or interested in the human side of healthcare, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom.Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.Recorded September 2025.10. #060 Understanding communication challenges post cardiac arrest with Jeanne Reilly
36:01||Season 3, Ep. 10This episode is the second of two parts with cardiac arrest survivor Jeanne Reilly. Jeanne is also a speech and language therapist with many years of experience addressing communication issues and is the ideal person to offer insights and solutions to the common communication issues survivors experience. In this second part, Jeanne shares her professional experience and how it can help other survivors and their key supporters. The first part explored Jeanne's cardiac arrest experience and how her professional experience has eased the recovery. Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.Recorded August 2025.9. #059 When words won't come. A speech therapist's experience of a sudden cardiac arrest with Jeanne Reilly
34:54||Season 3, Ep. 9This episode is the first of two parts with cardiac arrest survivor Jeanne Reilly. Jeanne is also a speech and language therapist with many years of experience dealing with communication issues and is the ideal person to offer insights and solutions to the common issues survivors experience. This first part explores Jeanne's cardiac arrest experience and how her professional experience has eased the recovery. In the second part, Jeanne shares her professional experience and how it can help other survivors and their key supporters.Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.Recorded August 2025.8. #058 CARESSf survivorship care with Dr Nathan Pearson
36:05||Season 3, Ep. 8This episode explores the CARESSf Project, an innovative initiative designed to improve survivorship care for people affected by cardiac arrest. Host Paul Swindell is joined by Dr. Nathan Pearson, a psychologist and lead researcher, to discuss how the project aims to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and long-term recovery. Together, they unpack the challenges survivors and their families face, the importance of holistic support, and what makes the CARESSf approach unique. Whether you’re a survivor, a loved one, or interested in advances in cardiac care, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for the future.Presented and edited by Paul Swindell.Recorded August 2025.7. #057 RESCQ Support for the forgotten patients with Dr Uzma Sajjad
52:59||Season 3, Ep. 7In this episode, host Paul Swindell speaks with Dr Uzma Sajjad about the innovative RESCQ Project. This pioneering initiative supports those present at a resuscitation event—often called the "forgotten patients"—who witness out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Dr Sajjad explains how the project, currently piloting in Essex, provides vital resources, emotional support, and personalised guidance to those affected by these traumatic events. Listeners will learn about the project's origins, its collaborative approach, and the importance of addressing the psychological impact on bystanders. Tune in to discover how RESCQ is bridging a crucial gap in post-resuscitation care and changing livesPresented and edited by Paul Swindell.Recorded July 2025.