Graham is an active volunteer surf lifesaver. While enjoying a family vacation with his wife and two daughters, a sudden and life threatening medical emergency occurred. One fateful day while on a routine swim, he experienced a stroke that would prove serious and life-changing. Although the entire incident took place beneath the waves, the welcome sight of one extremely observant surfer prompted action for his rescue.
Her stroke turned out to be actually on what started as a pretty typical day at the beach, where Russell had been enjoying the cooler, more inviting waters. As serious as the situation was, most of the beachgoers who walked by did so without knowing about the important demonstration happening within inches of their feet. Fortunately, one individual recognized something was amiss. With infinite poise, this professional surfer immediately attended to Russell and made sure he got the care and support he required. Witnesses said that Graham was literally half-dragged all the way to the surf club. There, he was put in a stair chair and swaddled in a space blanket to keep his body heat up.
Medical experts would go on to tell Russell he had suffered what they would call the “best possible stroke.” This word choice served to underscore that he was in the midst of a dangerous health emergency. Things really could have gone a lot worse. The stroke mortality rate is highly variable. In Russell’s case, it would have been 9% to 39%, depending on his health and what type of stroke he had.
Doctors performed extensive medical evaluations and found the cause, a congenitally narrow blood vessel in Russell’s neck. This condition was something that most likely led to his stroke. Unbeknownst to him, this issue had been brewing in the preceding weeks. Medical professionals have told us that an arterial dissection created a clot. This clot subsequently caused a stroke in his left-sided cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. In the days after the crash, Russell began to feel that something wasn’t right on the right side of his body.
Once transported to the hospital, Russell was seen immediately by a neurologist who went into great detail about his condition. He discovered that even though he’d faced a life-altering health crisis, there was a path forward through proven, effective treatment. Upon getting released from the hospital, Russell received a regimen of blood thinners to cope with his condition. Astonishingly, he emerged from the experience without any permanent disabilities, except for a residual feeling of fatigue.
Looking back on the experience, Russell said he was thankful for the rapid response of everyone involved. But luckily the surfer who went to check on him likely saved his life by making sure he got rapid care. Just days after the accident, Russell made it a point to find this person so he could thank him in person. The generous gesture highlights the special relationship between community awareness and life-saving action.
Russell’s story is a welcome reminder that professional half pipes and personal safety are no guarantee, accident can strike us all. Joining a local winter swimming club had sharpened his skills for most water dangers. There was no way in the world he could be prepared for this, his most unfortunate ordeal. Reinforced by his experience as a volunteer surf lifesaver, Ling’s commitment to improving water safety runs deep. That further intensifies the hurt of the episode.