This year’s World Restart a Heart Day highlights four powerful stories of survival from sudden cardiac arrest across New Zealand. Adam, a former firefighter, was saved by a bystander’s quick call to 111. Neal collapsed during a hockey tournament and was revived thanks to his teammates’ CPR and use of an AED. Craig was rescued during a Christmas concert by a stranger and emergency responders who worked tirelessly in the rain. Kendall’s life was saved by her young sons, proving that even children can be lifesavers. These stories show that anyone—regardless of age or background—can make a life-saving difference with the courage to act.
World Restart a Heart Day 2024
Each year, World Restart a Heart Day shines a spotlight on the power of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and early defibrillation to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest. In New Zealand, over 2,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually. This campaign brings real stories to life, stories that remind us how vital it is to be prepared, trained, and willing to act.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Adam’s Story – The Helper Who Needed Help
Adam, a former firefighter and healthcare assistant, collapsed outside a dairy in Thames while running an errand for his granddaughter’s birthday. Despite his emergency response background, it was a bystander’s quick call to 111 that began the chain of survival. Diagnosed with a serious cardiac condition, Adam’s experience highlights the unpredictability of cardiac arrest and the importance of community readiness.
See Adam’s full story on our website: https://www.resus.org.nz/news-and-media/adams-story
Neal’s Story – A Teammate’s Quick Thinking
During a Masters Hockey Tournament in Wellington, Neal felt chest tightness and stepped off the field, then collapsed. His teammates and event staff sprang into action with CPR and an AED, saving his life. Neal later said, “If this happened anywhere else, I suppose I’d be dead.” His story underscores the life-saving value of trained responders and accessible equipment.
See Neal’s full story on our website: https://www.resus.org.nz/news-and-media/neals-story
Craig’s Story – A Stranger’s Compassion
Craig collapsed during a Christmas concert in New Plymouth. A stranger noticed him unconscious and flagged down an event ambulance. Emergency responders, including fire staff with an AED, worked for over 20 minutes in the rain to revive him. Craig’s survival is a powerful reminder that anyone can be a lifesaver, just by choosing to act.
See Craig’s full story on our website: https://www.resus.org.nz/news-and-media/craigs-story
Kendall’s Story - Even children can be lifesavers.
Kendall’s survival after cardiac arrest was thanks to her young sons calling for help. Their story reminds us that anyone, regardless of age, can make a life-saving difference with the right knowledge and courage to act.
See Kendall’s full story on our website: https://www.resus.org.nz/news-and-media/kendalls-story
Why It Matters
These stories are more than inspiring, they’re a call to action. Whether you're a trained responder or a bystander, your actions can mean the difference between life and death. World Restart a Heart Day asks the public to consider learning CPR, locating your nearest AED, and encouraging others to do the same. Together, we can build a nation of lifesavers.
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