No One Dies in McDonald’s: Survivors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Share Their Stories

On returning from parkrun, I popped into a local Community First Responders open morning. I told the CFRs about SCA UK, and running came up because I was in my parkrun gear. I mentioned how many survivors in the group had had their SCA whilst running, cycling or doing some other energetic activity. He quipped,

“Well, no one dies in McDonald’s!”

This quip from a Community First Responder might seem flippant at first glance, but it cuts to the heart of a profound misunderstanding about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The general public often conflates heart attacks with cardiac arrests, assuming both are the inevitable result of poor lifestyle choices and too many Big Macs. The reality, as evidenced by a vibrant online community of survivors, tells a markedly different story.

“I was 400 metres from the finish line of a half marathon,” shares Mackenzie, who went on to complete not only that same half marathon later but also a full marathon. “April will be 2 years,” she adds proudly. Her story isn’t an outlier—it’s part of a pattern that emerges when you delve into the experiences of SCA survivors.

The tales flow like a steady stream of consciousness: “Halfway up a hill at 70 miles into a 95-mile cycle event,” recalls Steve. “Just finished a foxtrot,” remembers Ivan, who was ballroom dancing at the time. “At the end of my workout in the gym,” “Early morning run on my own,” “Whilst playing tennis,” the stories cascade, each one challenging the notion that cardiac events only strike the sedentary or unhealthy.

A cardiologist at the Royal Surrey Hospital Guildford offered an ironic twist to Mike’s story: He might not have had his SCA if he hadn’t been running. This paradox underscores the complexity of this condition—the very fitness that helps many survive their SCA might also, in some cases, be a triggering factor.

“A lot of people who have had an out-of-hospital SCA were very sporty, hence the reason they survived,” explains Karen, who experienced her cardiac arrest after a body attack class at the gym. “I was told it was because I was fit that I survived.” She’s back at the gym now, though not at the same intensity, embodying the resilient spirit shared by many survivors.

The spectrum of activities during which SCAs occur is surprisingly broad. From pickleball to piano recitals (Ken believes he was having a myocardial infarction while performing but waited until the intermission to collapse), from swimming pool changing rooms to school bus stops, the common thread isn’t poor health—it’s often quite the opposite.

Yet, there are those who buck the trend. “I was asleep for the first one, as far from exercise as it’s possible to get,” shares Nick, though he notes there had been warning signs during his regular cycling commute. Another survivor experienced their SCA while quietly riding in a car, while several others were simply watching television or preparing for bed.

The diversity of circumstances surrounding SCAs indicates a crucial public health message: these events don’t discriminate based on fitness level or location. They can strike anyone, anywhere—even, yes, in McDonald’s, as a news story from York demonstrated when a quick-thinking employee used a defibrillator to save a customer’s life.

This reality underscores the importance of public access to defibrillators and basic life support training. Whether you’re at parkrun or picking up a Quarter Pounder, the critical factor in survival isn’t your choice of activity—it’s the immediate availability of life-saving equipment and people who know how to use it.

The upcoming “10 Years Together” conference promises to be a landmark gathering for the SCA community. It’s not just a meeting—it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the power of shared experiences. For survivors and their families, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to connect with others who truly understand their journey. There will be many others who had their SCA whilst running, cycling or doing some other energetic activity, providing the unique chance to swap experiences and build lasting connections.

The message is clear: an SCA isn’t a lifestyle disease. It’s a complex medical emergency that can affect anyone, from marathon runners to McDonald’s diners. The key to survival lies not in avoiding either extreme but in creating communities prepared to respond when seconds count.

If you’re an SCA survivor or family member, the conference offers a chance to be part of this vital conversation. It’s an opportunity to share your story, learn from others, and contribute to the growing understanding of SCA. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community that truly understands your journey—secure your place at the conference today.

For those living with the aftermath of SCA, the focus isn’t on where it happened but on how to move forward. Some return to their previous activities with modified intensity, and others find new ways to stay active. Still, all share a profound appreciation for the seemingly simple act of being alive—wherever they happen to be.

Paul Swindell

After our first meet-up in February 2015, I realised I was not alone. It was the first time since my cardiac arrest the previous year that I had spoken face-to-face with someone who had experienced what I had. This was also true for my wife, who also happened to be my lifesaver. From that meet-up, the idea of SCA UK was born. Since then, we have achieved a considerable amount, primarily providing information, resources and support to others in a similar situation but also raising the profile of survivorship and the need for better post-discharge care. We are starting to get traction in this, and with the formation of the charity, I genuinely believe we have a bright future ahead and will make a significant difference in the lives of many who join our ranks.