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Advance care planning can be simple and a routine life planning activity, like doing your will or getting your super organised. It doesn’t need to involve a GP, but it’s good to keep them in the loop, and informed and consulted along the way. In this story, republished by Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) and originally shared by Advance Care Planning Australia ahead of Advance Care Planning Week 2026, Paul and Heather – a couple who’ve experienced the benefits of doing their advance care planning early – share their story.
Paul has always been a morning person. At 71, the retired engineer enjoys jazz music, family life, and looking after his grandchildren. Married to Heather for nearly 50 years, he never imagined that an ordinary event would change everything.
On 24 August 2025, Paul suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a community event. “It was completely unexpected,” he says. “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.
Years earlier, Paul and Heather had completed their advance care planning documents, including an Advance Health Directive (AHD). “We did it when we retired,” Heather explains. “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.”
Paul agrees. “For me, it was an opportunity to speak into how I would wish to be cared for, given circumstances that could realistically happen. I never expected to need it so soon.”
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. My immediate reaction was relief and gratitude,” she recalls. “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 says. “It’s a true gift, something that speaks when you can’t.”
Heather agrees. “It allowed us to spend meaningful time together instead of stressful discussions about what to do. Our family could gather around Paul without that burden.”
Paul believes advance care planning is one of the most important things you can do for those you love. “You never know when it’s going to be needed,” he says. “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 Week runs from 16-22 March. Making a start can be simpler than you’d think.
Our advance care planning page has more information about five key steps to follow, and you can scroll our ‘Planning your future care today’ booklet – available to view here as an e-version. This guide has easy to understand information about advance care planning to help you plan your future care.
You can contact our team if you’d like to order hard copies by filling out the form below.
Advance Care Planning Australia is inviting all Australians to embrace the theme ‘Your story, your choice’, and recommends visiting their website, ordering a starter pack and calling the Advance Care Planning Australia Advisory Line™ on 1300 208 582 for more information.
The Queensland Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning can also help you understand advance care planning and answer questions you’ve got. You can call their team on 1300 007 227 or email acp@health.qld.gov.au.
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