A TERMON man who was told he was clinically dead for five minutes after suffering cardiac arrest has said only for the heroic actions of  Letterkenny doctor Gerry Lane, he would not be alive today.

 

Benny Trearty remembers the longest day of the year – June 22 –  like it was yesterday. On that day last year he was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. He died at the Mountain Top while being  transported to Letterkenny University Hospital. 

 

Waiting at the doors of the hospital was Dr Gerry Lane and a trauma team, who worked relentlessly on Mr Trearty on the pavement of the hospital, eventually bringing him back to life. 

 

The father of two was immediately transferred to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, where he remained in intensive care for eight days. His wife, Myra and sons, Enda and Brian, feared the worst. 

 

On Monday evening Dr Gerry Lane and Hugh McBride were both honoured at a civic reception in Letterkenny Public Services Centre for their contribution to the local health service. Dr Lane has been at the coalface of the Emergency Department of LUH for many years, while Mr McBride was instrumental in establishing an addiction service in Donegal. In an interview Dr Lane stressed the importance of the team in his job adding he had been humbled by the recognition and was accepting the honour on behalf of the team. 

 

Mr Treaty attended Monday’s packed to capacity event. 

 

Speaking to the Donegal News, the father of two said: “The care I received was amazing, only for Dr Gerry Lane I would not be here today. He saved my life. Not only did he bring me back to life, but when I was transferred to Altnagelvin Hospital, he stayed with me the whole time. Unbeknown to me, he actually provided many comforting words to my family. He also prepared my family for the eventuality that I might not make it.” 

 

Mr Trearty, who walked 20 miles a week and who doesn’t drink or smoke, told of how he had suffered a ‘silent heart attack’ just two weeks after getting the all-clear at a routine check up. 

 

“On the day it happened, I had left to go to football and turned back home because I just didn’t feel well. My brother, Eugene, is a nurse so I called him to come and see me. He couldn’t find a pulse.”

 

By the time Mr Trearty arrived at LUH, he was dead. 

 

“When I was brought back to life, I was taken straight away by ambulance to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. The ambulance men, Aidan McCarron and another man by the name of Mr Gardiner were brilliant. They even called to see me and sat with me in the hospital.” 

 

Although he has little recollection of his time in intensive care, Mr Trearty said he was aware of hearing people talking, which, he said, he took great comfort from. 

 

“I was completely out for 24/36 hours.  I was being helped by breathing apparatus and a heart machine. My niece Orla and son, Enda were sitting with me and the nurse told them to talk to me. Orla happened to say the school won both games in the football and I moved  my thumb. That was the first indication of life. That is my first recollection of coming around.”

 

Although recovering well with an incredible support network, Mr Trearty said he still has trouble sleeping. 

 

“When I first came around, I wouldn’t close my eyes, maybe from fear. I am told this is to do with trauma. I couldn’t talk and I’d had a stent put in. 

 

“It took me a long time to recover, I am still not sleeping 100 per cent. I may  sleep for five hours a night, but that’s better than the two hours I was first only sleeping for. 

 

“My family, friends and the power of prayer got me through. My sons Enda and Brian have been great as has my wife, Myra. She’s the boss.

 

“I am delighted that both Dr Lane and Hugh McBride have been honoured. They are two worthy causes.”