An Edinburgh man has recounted the terrifying moment he was clinically dead for seven minutes during a routine hospital visit, in what medical staff described as a "one in a million" survival incident. Mark Davison, a 50-year-old resident from Granton, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while waiting for dialysis treatment at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh last May.
A Harrowing Ordeal at the Hospital
Mark Davison, who was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2022 while living in America, has been attending dialysis sessions three times weekly since his diagnosis. He first became concerned about his health after noticing blood in his urine, which led to immediate hospitalisation. The dialysis treatments, which last five hours each session, have dramatically impacted his daily life, with Mark describing how the process has "sucked" all vitality from him.
The Critical Seven Minutes
During what should have been another routine dialysis appointment, Mark began feeling unwell while waiting for treatment. "I keeled over and the nurses spotted me," he recalled. The dialysis nursing team immediately sprang into action, performing CPR as he suffered cardiac arrest. Medical staff later informed him he had been clinically deceased for seven minutes before they successfully revived him.
"Two days later I woke up in ICU after having my ribs cracked and I was out of it for seven minutes," Mark explained. "I was told I was one in a million cases for survival. So if I hadn't been for the dialysis nurses who performed CPR, I would not be here."
Life After the Incident
The experience has left Mark understandably shaken, with him admitting he tries to avoid dwelling on the traumatic event. "It's crazy to think how close it was. I try not to think about it too much because I just freak myself out and I don't want to dwell on it," he shared.
Mark's health challenges have forced significant life changes. He had to abandon his career as a photographer following his kidney disease diagnosis, a decision he still regrets. He now holds onto hope for finding a kidney donor someday, which would potentially allow him to resume his professional life.
A Message to Others
Marking World Kidney Day, Mark emphasized the importance of greater public awareness about kidney disease and urged anyone with health concerns to seek medical advice promptly. "I would always say to people to get yourself checked out if you are able," he advised. "The dialysis gives you life. It obviously has side effects but I would be a lot worse than now if I didn't have it. It's life-changing and it's changed mine."
He described dialysis as both a lifesaving treatment and a challenging process that significantly impacts mobility and energy levels. "It basically kills your ability to do certain things," Mark noted. "It impacts your mobility and energy but you just have to make the best of it."
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of both the fragility of life and the critical importance of timely medical intervention. Mark's survival against extraordinary odds highlights the skill and dedication of hospital staff while underscoring the value of heeding early warning signs of health issues.
