Jess Allen is set to return to rugby after her near-death experience last year

Rockhampton mother-of-one Jess Allen was revived on the sidelines of a rugby field last year after her heart stopped. Now, she’s made a miracle recovery and can’t wait to return to the game when the 2022 season kicks off.

A simple piece of foam from Clark Rubber will be instrumental in Jess Allen’s return to the rugby field with Frenchville after a near-death experience last year.

The 21-year-old’s heart stopped when she was running water for the club’s senior men in their semi-final in Gladstone on August 7.

First responders, including paramedic Alistair Vagg who had a defibrillator in his emergency response vehicle, kept Jess alive on the sideline until ambulance officers arrived.

She was taken to Gladstone Hospital and then airlifted in an induced coma to Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital.

Jess spent six days in intensive care and four in the cardiac care unit before having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator inserted in her chest.

Jess had been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat when she was 10 and with a leaky valve at 17 but said there was no indication they would lead to the drastic events of that August day.

Incredibly, the terrifying ordeal has failed to inhibit the vibrant mother-of-one. Instead, it has enhanced her zest for life and her desire to keep doing the things she loves.

Six weeks after the life-threatening incident she was back in the gym and playing oztag.

She now has a part-time job with the Queensland Reds and is cherishing every minute with her 18-month-old daughter Amanii who, she said, was her “happy, bubbly self and keeping me on my toes”.

Several weeks ago, Jess started pre-season training with the Frenchville women, who put in an inspired performance to win the Rugby Capricornia 7s premiership for the much-loved teammate last year.

Jess coached the same team to victory at the Biloela 10s in November last year.

She said she has been given the all-clear by her cardiologists to return to contact sport and was counting down the days until the 2022 season kicked off in March.

All she needs now is a final tick-off from Rugby Australia in regards to insurance.

“I definitely am happy about it but a little bit scared to go back on the field,” Jess said.

“The first game will be a lot. There will be tears shed, that’s for sure.

“There will be joy, excitement but also some nerves.

“I always get a little bit nervous before I play any game but that one’s definitely going to be a little bit different.”

Jess said she would have to adjust her tackling style to try to lessen the impact on the left side of her chest, where the ICD was inserted.

The device continuously monitors her heartbeats and delivers electric shocks, when needed, to restore a normal heart rhythm.

She would also be strapping the foam over the area to reduce any major force on the area.

“I’ve been doing the basics at training but I’m slowly getting back into tackling and getting my confidence back,” she said.

“I’ve got to pad up that part of my chest when I play but padding will only do so much.

“It will just be a simple piece of foam from Clark Rubber. It won’t be massive or anything; it will just help to make sure that nothing hits the titanium thing and none of the cords move in my chest.”

Jess said her brush with death had made her appreciate everything - and every minute of every day.

“I definitely have a completely different perspective on life,” she said.

“Before I’d feel like everything was a rush, that I just needed to get it done. I tend to take things a lot easier now.”

Jess said the rugby community and the broader community had been incredible during her hospital stint and recovery.

A gofundme page set up for Jess and Amanii raised more than $13,500.

Jess said that amazing support continued.

“I’m still getting messages from people asking how things are and how everything is going,” she said.