Cyclists on Donaubrücke Melk: Life rescue at the last moment!

Cyclists on Donaubrücke Melk: Life rescue at the last moment!

On May 22, 2025, the Danube Bridge in Melk, Lower Austria, experienced a dramatic incident when a cyclist suffered a cardiovascular arrest during a trip together with his wife. The man suddenly collapsed, which the alarmed rescue control center in emergency call Lower Austria quickly set in motion. She alerted the Red Cross Melk ambulance service, an emergency doctor's vehicle from the Samaritan Association Melk, an emergency helicopter C15 as well as the volunteer fire brigades Emmersdorf and Gossam.

A doctor who came by accident occurred as a savior in need and provided first aid. Thanks to his rapid reaction, the cyclist could be successfully reanimated on site. The man was then flown to a hospital by helicopter, where he hopefully received the necessary medical care.

Important information about cardiovascular diseases

A cardiovascular arrest, as was observed in this incident, can be caused by various causes, in particular by a heart attack. According to the Heart Foundation , a heart attack leads to a minor care of the heart muscle by closing one or more coronary arteries. The sudden cardiac arrest, often referred to in the medical jargon as chamber fibrillation, happens when unordered electrical impulses occur in the heart.

After only 10 to 15 seconds without oxygen, a patient loses consciousness, while the brain and other organs are quickly affected. An immediate revival is crucial to prevent permanent damage or death. "Time is muscle" is the motto in emergency medicine - the faster the treatment takes place, the less the damage to the heart muscle.

risks and prevention of heart attacks

heart attacks are often the result of years of risk factors such as overweight, high blood pressure, smoking and lack of exercise. The German Red Kreuz indicates that a heart attack can also run unnoticed when smaller vessels are affected. In severe cases, however, immediate cardiac arrest can occur, which brings the person concerned in mortal danger.

In the event of a medical emergency, relatives should immediately inform the emergency service under emergency number 112, even if they are unsure. It is important to provide the emergency services all the necessary information, including the name, address and the exact complaints of the person concerned.

The incident at the Danube Bridge has shown how crucial quick action and knowledge about first aid are. The cooperation of the emergency services involved and brave passers -by can save lives.