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For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 25 April 2024 at 05:36
A cardiac arrest survivor says he will forever have a ‘special bond’ with the off-duty paramedic who saved his life.
Stephanie Woolley had been treating her friend to a birthday spa day when 63-year-old Frank Halter collapsed in a pool and started to deteriorate fast.
The 36-year-old paramedic from Wix, Essex raced to Frank’s side, starting chest compressions and called for towels to dry her patient in preparation for a series of shocks.
Stephanie, who has worked for the Trust for 12 years, said: “I just walked through the door and saw him through the corner of my eye and I thought he doesn’t look good. It was a bit out of character but I just started shouting for towels. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the lifeguards there. He had arrested, his heart had stopped but we managed to get him back.”
Last Thursday Stephanie was reunited with Frank, a grandfather-of-five, at Colchester Leisure World’s Aqua Springs where she received a huge bunch of flowers.
Frank, who has no memory of what happened when he collapsed in a water exercise class in September, said: “I just wanted to meet her to say thank you. I gave her a great big hug and it was a teary moment for both of us. It was a team effort but she was the leader.
He added that he and Stephanie plan to keep in touch and send each other Christmas cards this year. He said: “There is a bond between us. Now I appreciate the little things even more, like taking my grandson to feed the ducks. I have been given a second chance.”
Stephanie and the team of paramedics and doctors involved in Frank’s resuscitation were awarded a Chief Officer Commendation at the East of England Ambulance Service excellence awards, on Friday, 14th November.
Shani Nicholls, EEAST Duty Locality Officer for north Essex, said: “Without doubt Stephanie gave Frank the best chance of survival. We are all really proud of the way she took the lead and stayed calm and professional at a time when every second counted.”
Published 29th November 2014
Photo credit Colchester Gazette