Radio host Didi Koch has once again jumped from the shovel of death. Now he is about to go back to work, thanks his two guardian angels and remembers the difficult way back.
How many times have you challenged happiness in life? When it comes to life and death, Radio Styrian presenter Didi Koch is world champion. “The Lord God probably doesn’t like me because he’s already let me survive three times,” jokes the man from Upper Styria, who has already overcome serious illnesses and whose heart stopped for 11 minutes after a heart attack – with no lasting damage.
Heart attack on the platform
At the beginning of April, the radio host wanted to take the train from Vienna to Graz. On the escalator to platform 6 at Meidling station, the heart suddenly stopped and the 61-year-old fell lifeless to the ground. “I never stand on this platform, because the train leaves somewhere else.”
The first windfall, because at that time two young policewomen were present to provide first aid with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions. An ambulance worker and a defibrillator were also on site. “Come back, don’t go,” the first responders pleaded during the nearly 15-minute CPR. Koch didn’t notice. And then he lay in artificial deep sleep for two days.
“The first thing I did when I woke up was that I was hungry”
“When I woke up, the nurse told me what had happened. My first comment: I’m hungry and want something to eat,” Koch laughs. In the weeks after the cardiac arrest, he was plagued by terrible nightmares and fears. “I was much closer to death in the hospital than when I went into cardiac arrest. I was afraid I might not wake up.”
These post-traumatic stress disorders have disappeared, but rapid fatigue, shortness of breath and poor concentration have remained. Even if the moderator’s life will not be the same after several operations, six stents placed and 20 kilograms less, the Styrian finds positives. “I now live more consciously, because my life has become much more important to me. I’m grateful to wake up in the morning and take a deep breath.”
Meeting with guardian angels
After a long hospital stay, the convalescent met his “guardian angels” to thank you for the “return campaign”. In a personal conversation, Koch learned that one of the two police officers had already saved the lives of three people and followed an inner call to platform 6. “It was clear to her that she was needed there. Since then she has been the positive witch among her colleagues.” Koch laughs.
Countless emails, letters and gifts: “The radio family got me through this difficult time. I could take early retirement now, but I owe it to the listeners.”
“My hourglass hasn’t expired yet”
After a radio break of exactly one year, there will soon be a comeback if the weekend presentations can be combined with outpatient rehabilitation. “I am convinced that my hourglass had not yet expired. If it ever happened, I would wish exactly what I have already experienced: just fall over and not notice when my own broadcast has ended.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
