“You are heroes to me” – Essex man thanks lifesavers after cardiac arrest

An ambulance crew from Essex have been praised after saving the life of a man from Henham who went into cardiac arrest earlier this year.

Colin Sullivan, 68, had severe chest pains on 12^th March and asked his wife to call 999. He said: “I knew that it -was serious, I told my wife Linda that it was bad and I needed help.”

Paramedic Ian Studd and Student Paramedic Sam Smith arrived and, after carrying out some tests, realised that Colin was having a heart attack. Unfortunately Colin went into cardiac arrest moments later, but thankfully after ten minutes of CPR and five shocks with a defibrillator, he was stabilised and taken to Lister where he remained for two weeks.

Sam said: “I’ve been to a few cardiac arrests but this was the first where the patient actually arrested in front of me, I wasn’t expecting it.”

On Friday 12^th August, five months to the day, Colin and Mark were reunited with Sam and Ian in an emotional reunion.

Colin, who has no recollection of the event, said: “I’ve always been a fighter but these two chaps made sure that I came through the other side, I am indebted to them, and they are heroes to me. I also would like to thank the staff at Lister who were fantastic.”

Colin’s son Mark who was also there added: “I have to say in terms of professionalism my jaw dropped, the level of care my dad received that day was second to none; we are so thankful.”

Published 18th August, 2016