Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 19 April 2024 at 03:14
A cardiac arrest survivor has thanked his life savers in an emotional reunion at his home in Thorpe Le Soken this week (15th May).
David Walkden, 81, was at home on 27th November when he suddenly developed severe chest pains. His wife Christine dialled 999 and help soon arrived in the form of Paramedic, Sheena Bumphrey and Emergency Care Assistant, Jason Purvis.
Sheena said: “The moment we walked in, it was obvious that David wasn’t well, and the recordings of his ECG were trademark of that of a heart attack.
“I cannulated him early because I felt like he could arrest at any stage, whilst Jason helped grab equipment from our ambulance.”
Unfortunately David’s condition deteriorated rapidly in the ambulance heading to Basildon Hospital.
Sheena said: “We were having a normal conversation when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest; it threw me completely.”
Immediately Jason pulled over and both he and Sheena began CPR, shocking David 15 times in the process before he was resuscitated, stabilised, and taken to hospital. They were also supported by Paramedic Lou Wheatley, Emergency Care Assistant Victoria Everett and Duty Locality Officer Steven Keating.
Sheena said: “This will be a job that will live with me forever; I honestly thought he wouldn’t survive. But to see him now is a testament to his strength and the excellent team effort of all involved on that day.
“After we handed him over to hospital staff I couldn’t stop thinking about him; it’s been lovely to see him again and looking so well.”
David said: “Thank you isn’t enough, I feel humbled by what they did. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing here now.”
Christine added: “The medics were so swift and super; it feels like I’m living a fairy-tale story to have my husband back.”
Have you been involved in any positive jobs with good outcomes? If so, email media@eastamb.nhs.uk or call 01763 268 772 to let us know.
Published 18th May, 2017