"I cannot thank them enough": patient's heartfelt reunion with crews

A west Norfolk man will feature on a new television programme next week after ambulance and air ambulance staff saved his life.

Within minutes of calling 999 complaining of a tight chest and shortness of breath, Paramedic Darren Sullivan, Emergency Medical Technician Simon Blaker, Paramedic Kim Meek and Critical Care Paramedic Carl Smith rushed to Philip Chapman’s aid.

The 67-year-old said he owed his life to the ambulance and air ambulance staff who came to his home in Snettisham on the morning of 22nd July after he went into cardiac arrest in the back of the ambulance.

Philip’s story will be featured on Air Ambulance ER at 9pm on Sky 1 on Monday (11th April) after a production company followed the work of EAAA for the new series of the TV documentary.

Amazingly, Philip was discharged from hospital four days after being airlifted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after having his heart restarted by following one shock with a defibrillator.

Philip, who had two stents fitted after the incident, said: “I got up and came down stairs and let the dog out, which was fortunate because both doors were locked. I put the kettle on and I thought ‘I feel horrendous’, perspiration started pouring off me I felt I was going to pass out.

“I remember speaking to the call handler who told me to hang on, and I didn’t seem to be on the phone long before the paramedic got there.

“I remember seeing the rotor blades of the helicopter and waking up in hospital. I cannot thank them enough. Everyone was amazing from the call handler to the ambulance staff to the air ambulance and the hospital staff.”

Pilot Steve Norris and Doctor Victor Inyang were on board Anglia One with Carl on 22nd July.

Published 9th April, 2016