Fabrice Muamba recovery described as 'miraculous' by doctor following Bolton midfielder's cardiac arrest Going through his head was the thought "Oh my God, it's Fabrice," he said. Medics worked on Muamba for 48 minutes between his collapse and arrival at the hospital, Dr Tobin said. At the hospital, doctors worked on him for another 30 minutes before his heart started beating again. "In effect, he was dead in that time," Dr Tobin said. Dr Tobin admitted he broke down in tears in the hospital corridor when the seriousness of what had happened to the player hit home - and added that he had feared the worst. Dr Deaner, meanwhile, added that he had visited Muamba in hospital where the player was able to make a joke. I whispered into his ear 'What's your name?' Dr Deaner then said: "I said 'I understand you're a very good footballer'. And he said 'I try'.