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18 Minutes Dead: Pickleball Player's Second Chance
9 Oct
Summary
- Man revived after 18 minutes with no heartbeat or breathing.
- Quick actions by playing partner and referee saved his life.
- He has returned to playing pickleball three months later.
Martin Paxton experienced a life-threatening cardiac arrest during a pickleball match in June 2026. He was unconscious for 18 minutes, with no heartbeat or breathing, a situation described as being 'literally dead.' His survival was a direct result of the swift actions of those around him.
His playing partner, Claire Duquemin, a former pediatric nurse, and referee Ian Vaudin, who had first aid training, immediately began CPR. The presence of a doctor on a nearby court also proved vital. After extensive recovery in England, including the fitting of a pacemaker, Martin was flown back to Guernsey.
Paramedic Ben Barling, who was involved in his resuscitation, expressed amazement at Martin's recovery and his ability to walk off the plane. Although Martin experiences some short-term memory issues, he feels well and has expressed deep gratitude to the emergency responders and medical staff who saved him. He has since met with many involved to thank them personally, demonstrating the profound impact of their quick and skilled intervention.
