Paul has always been a morning person.

At 71, the retired engineer enjoys jazz music, family life, and looking after his grandchildren and has been married to Heather for nearly 50 years.

Paul never imagined that an ordinary event would change everything.

On August 24 last year, Paul suffered a cardiac arrest during a community event.

“It was completely unexpected,” he said.

“One moment I was chatting, the next I was in emergency intensive care.”

Thanks to quick-thinking bystanders trained in CPR and a defibrillator on-site, Paul survived.

But what followed was intense – three heart operations in nine days and 18 days in hospital.

Advance Care Planning Week closed yesterday, with a strong message – advance care planning is important at any age and helps ensure families, carers and health professionals understand what matters most to a person.

The week was led by Advance Care Planning Australia and promotes the importance of advance care planning – a voluntary process where individuals consider, discuss and document the type of medical care they would want if they were unable to communicate their decisions.

This year’s theme, Your Story, Your Choice, highlighted that every person’s values, beliefs and experiences are unique, and should guide their health care decisions.

Paul and Heather completed their advance care planning documents, including an Advance Health Directive, when they retired (Image: Advance Care Planning Australia).

Campaign activities across the country included community events, information sessions and the sharing of personal stories to help normalise conversations about end-of-life care.

Years earlier, Paul and Heather had completed their advance care planning documents, including an Advance Health Directive.

“We did it when we retired,” Heather said.

“It gave us peace of mind and clarity, not just for us, but for our family. We didn’t want them to be put on the spot one day.”

For Paul, it was an opportunity to speak about how he wish to be cared for.

“I never expected to need it so soon,” he said.

When Paul was unconscious for 18 hours after his cardiac event, Heather faced a moment of truth. “One of the hospital staff asked if Paul had any advance care planning,” she said.

“My immediate reaction was relief and gratitude. We were under extreme stress. Knowing his wishes meant I didn’t have to make those decisions on my own.”

Paul’s AHD became what he calls “a document that speaks in the silence”.

“It gave confidence and certainty to Heather and our family,” he said.

“It’s a true gift, something that speaks when you can’t.”

Heather said it allowed them to spend meaningful time together instead of stressful discussions about what to do.

“Our family could gather around Paul without that burden,” she said.

Paul believes advance care planning is one of the most important things a person can do for those they love.

“You never know when it’s going to be needed,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful gift to those who may have to implement it.”

Heather’s advice is simple: “Don’t put it off. No matter your age, if you have family or people you love, it’s a good idea.”

Today, Paul is back home, enjoying mornings with jazz and time with his grandchildren. His message is clear: “Life can change in an instant. Plan ahead.”

Advance care planning helps ensure values and preferences guide future health care.

For a free starter pack, go to Order Information Pack.

More information at Advance Care Planning.