Week four of The Block kicked off with high-stakes renovations, but the real drama of the week occurred far away from the tools and paintbrushes. House 4 contestant Courtney faced a frightening health scare on set when her chronic heart condition flared up during a high-stress build.
Here is what happened, how she managed the emergency, and what it means for the competition.
The On-Set Health Emergency
Courtney suffers from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a medical condition characterized by a rapid, erratic heartbeat. During a flare-up, her heart rate can skyrocket to an alarming 230 beats per minute.
As the pressure of "ensuite week" mounted, Courtney began experiencing symptoms. Seeking privacy and trying to manage the panic, she retreated to the bathroom.
Courtney opened up about the vulnerability of managing the condition under the spotlight: "I’m not embarrassed by having SVT, but it can be embarrassing when I can’t talk and function as a normal human when it’s happening," she explained. "And the thought of being on a job site surrounded by men and having to call an ambulance, you know, you don’t want to be embarrassed or look weak."
A Quick-Thinking Paramedic Stepped In
Rather than calling emergency services immediately, Courtney reached out to House 1 contestant Lisa, who works as a paramedic outside of the show.
Although Lisa was off-site at the time, her professional training proved invaluable. She stayed on the phone with Courtney, calmly coaching her through the episode until her heart rate stabilized.
The incident took an emotional toll on the team. Courtney’s teammate, Sev, broke down in tears after learning about the episode, expressing heartache that Courtney tried to shoulder the scary moment alone to avoid stressing the crew.
What Else Happened on the Block?
While Courtney recovered, the rest of the site saw plenty of typical The Block chaos:
- Design Disputes: Lisa and Rosco (House 1) clashed with Foreman Dan over their ensuite layout. Dan blocked their attempt to remove a bathroom window, prompting a stubborn standoff.
- A Stressful Spa Trip: Lisa and Rosco won a getaway to Alba Thermal Springs, but Rosco remained too stressed about their unfinished build to fully unwind.
- Darren Palmer's Directive: The judge visited the Blockheads to deliver crucial feedback, urging the contestants to stop playing it safe with neutral tones and start embracing bold colors.
With "wet-week" waterproofing challenges and tradie drama looming next, the pressure on the Blockheads is only going to rise.
