The Block’s schedule can be gruelling even on the best of days, but add in a frightening health scare and it can quickly become unbearable.
That was exactly what Courtney went through when she experienced an episode of supraventricular tachycardia, known as SVT, while speaking with tradies on camera.
The Brisbane contestant was forced to step away from the worksite and ask for help after her heart rate climbed to 230 beats per minute and remained elevated for around half an hour.
Courtney admitted to WHO that getting the episode under control wasn’t her only concern. She also felt embarrassed about people worrying over her and potentially calling an ambulance, which is why she initially tried to deal with it privately.
Fans say production should have “stopped filming”.
Why did Courtney feel embarrassed?
Courtney said the episode began without warning while she was chatting on camera.
“It can go from resting heart rate to 230 with the click of a finger,” she explained to WHO. “When that happens, it sort of takes your breath away for a minute.”
While some of Courtney’s episodes resolve themselves quickly, this one refused to pass. She removed herself from the group and began performing the manoeuvres she normally uses to bring her heart rate down.
However, when they didn’t immediately work, the people around her understandably became concerned.
“There was obviously an embarrassment factor,” Courtney admitted. “I didn’t want people calling ambulances and stressing over me.”
Courtney understood why everyone was so worried, especially because they weren’t aware of her condition. However, their concern ended up making her even more anxious than she already felt.
“They weren’t privy to my situation, so of course they panicked because all of a sudden my heart rate was through the roof,” she said.
“That whole situation started panicking me a lot, and I couldn’t stop the episode.”
Lisa came to the rescue
Despite her reluctance to cause a fuss, Courtney realised she needed someone else to help her remain calm. She called fellow contestant Lisa, who works as a paramedic and registered nurse.
“While we’re not in the world’s greatest state at the moment, she’s a medical professional,” Courtney said.
Courtney explained that although she understood her condition, the combination of a racing heart and rising panic made it difficult to reassure herself.
“When you’re in a bit of a panic attack situation, sometimes the best thing to do is distract yourself and talk to someone,” she said.
“I just needed a medical professional to tell me it was all good and remind me that I knew what to do.”
Lisa helped talk Courtney through the situation, giving her the reassurance she needed.
“I know she didn’t come on the show to work as a paramedic, but just having access to someone you can talk to helps,” Courtney said.
“It was that reminder that you’re all good, do your thing and, if not, call the ambulance.”
Courtney eventually managed to stop the episode after her sixth attempt, narrowly avoiding the need for an ambulance.
While asking for help may not have come naturally, having Lisa available proved invaluable.
“That sensible, professional opinion just helps in that moment sometimes,” Courtney said.
The Block fans wanted production to stop filming
It’s one of the very few moments on the show that fans have reacted positively to Courtney, with many believing her and teammate Sev have been favoured by production and the on-site team.
However, after this moment, viewers questioned why the cameras were kept on.
“I think they should have stopped filming her, that would have added to her stress,” one fan said, while others (who have a similar condition) admitted they too feel “embarrassed” during an episode.
“I don’t have to explain why,” one viewer said, while others agreed it would have been respectful to turn the cameras off.
The Block airs Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm and Sundays at 7pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.
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