Cardiac arrest survivor reunited with Trust staff and CFR

Richard Knapp patient meet up

Cardiac arrest survivor Richard Knapp was this week re-united with the community first responder (CFR) and staff from EEAST and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital who saved his life.

Richard, a 64-year-old from Chingford, collapsed on 3rd February whilst at a gathering with friends in Epping and was treated by CFR Sandra Newman, who was first on scene, ECP Richard Holt and ambulance crew Stephen Dennehy and Allison Cheesman.

Richard Holt said Richard deteriorated quickly: “He was pale and clammy and we did some tests. We could see he was having a massive heart attack then his heart just stopped. Sandra started CPR and we had to give him three shocks with the defibrillator.”

Richard was stabilised before being taken to the cardiothoracic centre at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital. It was touch and go in hospital, where Richard suffered multiple organ failure and pneumonia during the early stages of his recovery.

 “I’m ever so grateful,” said Richard, a retired carpenter and joiner. “I can’t put it into words. I’ll always be grateful to those who helped me on that day and the staff in the hospital. I love them all and I’ll never forget them. They all fought to give me back a life.”

Richard’s wife Sue, 60, added: “It has been a bit of a rollercoaster quite honestly. Every time I thought we were turning a corner he went downhill again but what a result in the end! He has received amazing care all the way. I can't fault it. We are so grateful.”

Allison, an emergency care assistant (ECA) from Braintree, said: “To see someone pull through like this is absolutely amazing. It really is a phenomenon.”

Richard added: “You don’t know what is round the corner for you and it makes you realise how fragile life is.”

Published 26th April 2015 

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