Dale Shanahan fights for life in intensive care after cardiac arrest

A man’s “miracle” hospital visit for kidney stone pain meant he received immediate care when he into cardiac arrest, giving him a fighting chance at life.

The Bendigo community is anxiously awaiting the outcome of medical attempts to save the life of a talented local sportsman.

Welder and Bendigo Dragons gridiron player Dale Shanahan, 31, experienced a cardiac arrest while in hospital on September 2.

He has been only semi-conscious since the event and is in the Bendigo Hospital intensive care unit with his partner by his side.

Family from other parts of Australia have rushed to be with him and support his girlfriend of two years, musician Drew Walker.

A friend has set up a Go Fund Me page which has been peppered with messages of support for the couple who are unable to work while Mr Shanahan is receiving treatment.

Ms Walker said her active and lively partner had gone to the hospital experiencing pains due to kidney stones on September 1.

His cardiac arrest the following day was caused by a previously undiagnosed case of wolff-parkinson-white syndrome, a fast heart rate disorder which he would have been born with.

The Victorian health department states it is one of the leading causes of fast heart rate disorder in newborns and young children and is usually dealt with by medication.

Left untreated, it can lead to heart attacks.

Ms Walker said her partner’s ability to get immediate care as he was already at the Bendigo Hospital was like a “miracle”.

“The doctors said it’s not connected. It’s just a coincidence that one thing happened after another. I think it’s a miracle. Dale and I are both spiritual [and] we’ve both prayed to the universe before for things we’ve wanted.”

Mr Shanahan is a talented welder who operates his own small business Shanahan Fabrication & Repair alongside his 9-5pm job at Ranbuild.

“His workmates are calling everyday and telling me they need him back to play the Mad Minute on the radio.”

Ms Walker said he had been in and out of consciousness and the doctors believed he was suffering from brain damage, the extent of which is unknown.

“It’s a waiting game right now. He’s always been strong and clever and I think that’s going to help get him through this. He has a lot of support in the community, a lot of people who love him.”