A Danish man, Alex Knudsen, is alive today thanks to the quick actions of Dennis Pallesgaard, a volunteer “Heart Runner,” who responded to a cardiac arrest emergency. The two men have since formed a bond, highlighting the importance of the Heart Runner scheme in Denmark.

The Heart Runner scheme, initiated in 2017, has expanded significantly, now boasting over 57,000 active volunteers across Denmark. These volunteers are alerted via their mobile phones by emergency services when someone nearby experiences cardiac arrest.

On July 29, 2020, Alex Knudsen suffered a cardiac arrest at a friend’s house. Dennis Pallesgaard, who was at a campsite nearby, received the alert and rushed to the scene with a defibrillator.

Pallesgaard arrived within minutes, administered a couple of shocks, and successfully resuscitated Knudsen. Knudsen recalls feeling unwell and sweating before collapsing, unaware that he was clinically dead for several minutes.

Heart Runners often arrive before professional emergency services, reaching the scene first in an estimated 70% of cases. In Knudsen’s case, the ambulance arrived 19 minutes later, suggesting that Pallesgaard’s prompt intervention was critical to his survival.

Knudsen has since undergone a balloon angioplasty and received an ICD shocker implant. He continues to enjoy his hobbies and maintains an active lifestyle.

Pallesgaard, who works as a paramedic and ensures power supply for large events, has been called out several times since. He urges others to consider becoming Heart Runners, emphasizing the ease of operating a defibrillator.

The two men have become friends and advocate for the Heart Runner scheme. Knudsen’s family members have also signed up to be Heart Runners. He is deeply grateful for Pallesgaard’s actions, acknowledging their crucial role in his survival.