In moments where life hangs by a thread, what choices are left to alter fate?
This was the reality faced by a man in the UK who endured a life-altering accident, believing he had mere seconds remaining.
In such dire circumstances, panic or anger might consume many of us.
However, this individual shared his remarkable perspective online, considering the grave situation he faced.
Richard North took to TikTok to recount a 2001 incident where he was in a severe crash that involved colliding with a lamppost.
North described how an ‘oil spill’ led the lamppost to crash through his car, ‘side on’, opening his pelvis and fracturing both femur bones.
He recounted how, during rescue efforts, firefighters were informed that they might have to amputate his legs with an acetylene torch if they couldn’t extricate him. Fortunately, they managed to free him as his heart rate slowed to a mere 18 beats per minute.
With a naturally low ‘resting heart rate’, North found some hope amidst the chaos.
He described that, while trapped for an hour in his wrecked vehicle, he resorted to an unusual strategy.
North began counting, determined that once he reached 10, he would allow himself to let go and pass on.
Yet, upon reaching the count, he chose to start over. He did this repeatedly.
Despite his agony, he focused on ‘positive thoughts’, and continued this countdown for another hour until he was stable.
In his video titled ‘How 10 Extra Seconds Can Save Your Life’, North emphasized that ‘adding just 10 extra seconds can make a significant life difference’.
His optimistic mindset achieved just that, and he now encourages others to ‘push’ through another 10 seconds during tough times and to combat negativity with hope.
The online response to his brief video was overwhelming, with many expressing that it brought them ‘hope’ during difficult periods.
One commenter suggested, “Mate honestly you need to write a book called 10 more seconds and talk about everything you’ve learnt.”
Another shared, “You actually have no idea how much I needed to hear this right now. in the last two weeks – my husband was diagnosed with bipolar, I found out I’ve got a brain tumour, and my cat died. Thank you so much.”
Someone else remarked, “The power of positive thinking! I am so pleased you are here to tell your tale! Have a great 2026!”
A fourth person commented, “Wow! That was mind blowing! How are you now? Your commitment to yourself is incredible! You have given me more hope than the consultants ever have… and I will count those ten seconds as many times as needed. Thank you so much for this.”