A Sudden Medical Emergency on Set
During the 2026 season of the reality television show The Block, contestant Courtney experienced a severe medical episode that required immediate intervention. While interacting with contractors on the job site, Courtney suffered from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a condition characterized by a sudden, abnormal spike in heart rate. Courtney reported that her heart rate surged to 230 beats per minute, a change she described as occurring “with the click of a finger.”
The incident forced Courtney to step away from the cameras and the worksite to manage the physical symptoms, which included extreme breathlessness and the psychological distress of feeling like her health was failing. As she attempted to perform her usual medical maneuvers to regulate her heart rhythm, she found herself struggling to gain control, which in turn increased her anxiety.
The Role of On-Site Peer Support
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Courtney reached out to fellow contestant Lisa, who is a trained paramedic. Although Lisa was not present on the specific worksite, her remote guidance proved critical. According to Courtney, speaking in an exclusive interview, Lisa’s calm reassurance and professional advice helped her remain focused. By the time she performed her sixth maneuver, Courtney was able to stabilize her heart rate, successfully avoiding the need for an ambulance or a hospital transfer.
Courtney has been open about her condition, noting that her reluctance to seek help earlier stemmed from a desire to remain professional and avoid appearing “weak” or “embarrassing” in a high-pressure, male-dominated construction environment. Her partner, Sev, later expressed significant emotional distress upon learning of the episode, noting that Courtney had kept the severity of the flare-up hidden to avoid causing worry among the other participants.
Stakes in High-Pressure Reality Environments
This incident underscores the complex challenges faced by individuals managing chronic health conditions while participating in high-stakes reality television productions. The physical demands of construction-based shows combined with the constant presence of cameras and strict deadlines can exacerbate underlying health vulnerabilities. The situation highlighted both the importance of having medical professionals within the cast and the persistent stigma that can lead contestants to prioritize the competition over their own physical well-being.