I was dead for seven minutes - this is what I saw.

On May 5, 2013, I collapsed in a half marathon and was without a heartbeat for 7 minutes. Many people have asked me questions about my cardiac arrest and the same question comes up time and time again. In this video I will answer the question, did I see heaven when I died?

[@Frostbiker]

Thank you for sharing with us such a personal and unique experience. Whoever provided CPR should be pretty proud, as resuscitation is rarely successful.

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

I am certainly very lucky and very grateful to have had such dedicated and competent people there when I collapsed. They kept me going until an AED could arrive.

[@harryvandenbrink1688]

A testament to the Emerg response team, from call handler to your ambulance attendant. Glad you made it..I enjoy your posts

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Absolutely!!

[@forbsio]

Appreciate you buddy. Thank you for sharing.

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

You are very welcome.

[@robiam506]

That’s a tremendous story Andrew. Thanks for sharing.

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@julieibbott3239]

Thank you for sharing Andrew. A good reminder that we need to be grateful every day.

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Absolutely!

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Thank you for this frank open discussion Andrew! I've had a couple of major bike crashes both with major concussions so I don't remember them well. First, I was run off the road by a vigilante motorist who hated the 'new' Share The Road' signs and thought cyclists should be on the gravel shoulder. Second, more like yours, I was doing HIIT hill reps on the Niagara Escarpment then flying downhill. Figure I passed out as there didn't seem to be car involvement. Like you soooo thankful for great care but waiting a day and 1/2 for a bed on a backboard was tough! No lights but profound relief/ thanks for support/ care. All healed and up and running/ riding for year and half now. I don't fly down the hills after hill reps and don't do them if I feel 'off'! Loved your soup! Great cooking! Until the next video, smiles!

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Amazing story Geoffrey. Glad you're okay

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Right back at ya Andrew! Thank you for having the courage to share so openly! Love that we get to share this passion for life and Ontario Rail Trail cycling! @@cardiaccyclist7477

[@kevinborovsky3558]

I find your videos referencing that day very moving. I thank you Andrew for sharing that and starting this channel as I have very much enjoyed your cycling videos over the last few years. Cheers

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

You are so welcome

[@denniskazimer2284]

Thank you for sharing your experience. You are such an inspiration and I love your videos. Have a great 2024.

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Wow, thank YOU Dennis, that is wonderful to hear.

[@billwelsh7489]

I googled how what affect does a stopped heart have on the human body. It stated that permanent brain damage is likely after 9 minutes. You made it just under that time! Amazing! No PTSD either. I wonder if your outlook or attitude towards living/life changed after that day?

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Thank you Bill. My outlook on life undoubtably changed and for the better.

[@joricm]

Thanks for sharing, Andrew! Glad all is well now. I've had major cardiac "challenges" in the past as well but never had a heart attack or 'saw the light'. Glad we're now both ok to cycle to our heart's content (see what I did there? 🤣)

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Love it 🤣🤣

[@chrisconnors7418]

Thank you for sharing that.

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

It is my pleasure, Chris.

[@MrJx4000]

Wow, is that your house at the 0:40 second mark?

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

HaHa, I wish. No, in fact that is Eaton Hall in King City, Ontario. Built in 1938 by Lady Eaton of the Eaton family who owned the Eaton's Department Store.