While the “Miracle Man’’ is a big nickname to live up to, Graeme Webb has certainly earned it.
Mr Webb was technically dead for 30 minutes while he received life-saving surgery at Liverpool Hospital.
Now the “Miracle Man” has returned to the hospital to thank staff, who were able to keep him alive using an automatic chest compression device known as the LUCAS 2 machine.
The $21,000 machine was donated earlier this year by the hospital auxiliaries, who also met with Mr Webb to wish him well.
Liverpool Hospital staff interventional cardiologist, Dr Christian Mussap, said Mr Webb suffered a massive heart attack and went into cardiac arrest during his presentation at the Emergency Department.
“Mr Webb was technically dead as he was transferred urgently to the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory for emergency surgery,” Dr Mussap said.
“For about 30 minutes Mr Webb’s heart had stopped beating because of a heart attack.
“The only reason we were able to keep his heart pumping during our life saving cardiac surgery was because of the LUCAS 2 machine.
“We performed a coronary angioplasty and stented a blocked artery, while the LUCAS machine performed automatic chest compressions to maintain the circulation of oxygen to the heart and brain.
“We achieved a truly amazing outcome considering the situation.
“Thanks to the LUCAS machine, and the hard work of the Emergency and Cardiology staff, Mr Webb is extremely lucky to be alive,” he said.
Shortly after his ordeal, Mr Webb contacted the hospital to thank them for saving his life.
“Although I have no memory of the events after arriving in Emergency, information from my wife, family and your staff tells me I’m a lucky man,” Mr Webb said.
“The support your staff gave my wife and family over a trying couple of days, and to myself during this period, a simple thank you would not be enough.
“Thankfully and as a result of the dedication of these staff members I look forward to many more years ahead.
“I believe I am affectionately known as Miracle Man around the place, as I came back from the brink.
“The miracle is the staff, the LUCAS machine they used on me and their dedication to their job,” he said.
Hospital general manager Robynne Cooke thanked the auxiliaries for the donation of the LUCAS 2 machine.
“This is a great example of fundraising by our auxiliaries really making a difference to the lives of our patients and to the services we are able to provide,” Ms Cooke said.
“We are extremely grateful for their ongoing generosity and support.
“It clearly does make a difference,” Ms Cooke said.
