Seeing cardiac arrest survivor reminder “as to why I love this profession”, says DLO Mark

A cardiac arrest survivor was given a special birthday surprise last week - through a visit from the paramedic who saved his life.

Mark Littlechild, now a duty locality officer in mid Essex, was the first response on scene when Les Tilford went into cardiac arrest at his home in Leigh in 2008. Eight years on, Mark surprised Les at his 70^th birthday with a card and bottle of bubbly, in what was an understandably emotional reunion.

Speaking about the day, Mark said: “I remember the job crystal clear; it was one that I was on scene within a minute because I happened to be so close at the time.”

Mark arrived on scene where the Les’ wife, Kathy, was already carrying out CPR, something that both Mark and Les’ family have credited the call handler for helping with. Mark said: “Kathy to this day has never forgotten how fantastic the CPR advice was from the call handler.”

Les was shocked once before being resuscitated and taken to hospital where he made a full recovery.

Despite Mark’s efforts on that day, he remains modest and said: “I was one piece of a huge NHS puzzle that worked perfectly on that day, giving Les the best chance of survival. It feels great to know I have played my part but my colleagues Jacqui Wall and Johnny Hyland who assisted were superb too.”

He added: “I felt extremely humbled to be able to wish Les a happy 70^th birthday, it was fantastic to see him doing so well, and to learn that he has been able to see his grandchildren and walk his daughter down the aisle are little reminders as to why I love this profession.”

Published 3rd November, 2016