Overview
- More than two years after an August 2023 cardiac arrest caused by a pulmonary embolism, Matthew Allick returned to Hammersmith Hospital to thank about 20 staff involved in his care.
- He says doctors told him his clot burden was about 85% of his body, with very large clots identified in his heart and lungs.
- He was clinically dead for several minutes before defibrillation and forceful CPR revived him, after which he spent three days in an induced coma.
- Surgeons performed multiple procedures to remove clots, and Allick credits seven blood transfusions with keeping him alive.
- NHS Blood and Transplant leaders used his case to underscore the need for donors, while Allick now raises awareness through motivational talks and acting work in partnership with the Blood Foundation.