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Dad Wakes From Coma, Sees Newborn Daughter's Face
30 Jul
Summary
- Dad survived two hours without a sustained heartbeat after cardiac arrest.
- He first saw his newborn daughter after waking from an induced coma.
- His wife's immediate CPR significantly contributed to his survival.
Sam King, a 27-year-old father from Hedge End, near Southampton, experienced a remarkable recovery after a cardiac arrest left him without a sustained heartbeat for nearly two hours. He described the "unbelievable" moment he opened his eyes after an induced coma to see his newborn daughter, Sophie, for the first time. His survival was critically dependent on his wife, Emma, who immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived.
First responders faced challenges reaching Sam on the top floor of his home, requiring them to carry equipment up narrow stairs. Despite receiving 11 defibrillator shocks and automated chest compressions, his "downtime" approached two hours. The discovery of faint heart activity via ultrasound offered hope. Sam was stabilized at University Hospital Southampton before being transferred to St Thomas' Hospital in London for intensive care.
While Sam was in a critical condition, his wife Emma went into labour, giving birth to their daughter Sophie four days after his collapse. Emma brought baby Sophie to Sam's bedside, where he showed visible signs of response, including tears, indicating cognitive function. After 33 days in hospital, Sam was discharged with no lasting neurological or physical disability, now fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
