Two Isle of Wight families reunited with their ambulance rescuers
TWO cardiac arrest survivors on the Isle of Wight have been reunited with those who were first on the scene to support them.

Today (Sunday, October 16) is World Restart a Heart Day, and each year, an alliance of partners from across the globe come together to increase awareness of cardiac arrests.

The partnership also pleads with the public to learn about CPR, to increase the number of people trained in the life-saving skill.

Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain worryingly low in the UK, with fewer than one in ten people surviving, says the Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

Layla was just nine weeks old when she suffered a cardiac arrest and Matt Colson was the first paramedic to attend the scene.

Matt said: “It was incredible to see how well Layla was doing. It filled me with joy to see her smile and interaction with her doting brother.

“She is doing fantastically well, and I am acutely aware that this is a result of the efforts of the whole system, from early CPR to specialist hospital care as well as the recovery process and hard work from her parents.

“My immediate response was to deliver lifesaving treatment, and it fills me with great pride to know that my actions had a direct and positive impact on the outcome of this incident.”

Layla’s Mum, Clare, said 'We are so grateful for the expert skills and fast response from the paramedic team. Layla may not have been with us today if it wasn't for the efforts of the emergency services and hospital team.”

Angela Wright was 74 years old when she suffered a cardiac arrest at her home.

Angela said: “I survived thanks to the outstanding care that I received.

“Starting with the 999 responder, who guided my amazing husband through the first stage, next came Jason the paramedic first responder, without whose excellent skills I wouldn't be here today and then the ambulance crew who assisted Jason in fighting for my life.

“I was then taken to St Mary's Hospital and the next team who continued the life-saving treatment, from there I was taken by the Air Ambulance to the QA hospital at Portsmouth for the final part of my treatment.

“No words can express the gratitude that my family and I have for all those concerned, and thanks will never be enough. We are all so very lucky to have you all.”

Jason said: “I feel privileged to be part of the team who helped Angela survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

“To come face to face with someone whose life you helped to save is a very surreal and heart-warming experience.

“It’s very rare for pre-hospital staff to get to see the raw emotion of those we have helped following their recovery.

“Being able to meet Angela again and to see how well she had recovered made me feel an immense sense of pride.”

Louise Walker, ambulance education, training and engagement lead, said: “Reuniting families such as Angela and Layla with the Ambulance Crews that helped to save their lives was wonderful. This is one of the best parts of my job.

“One of the worst parts, however, is knowing that a cardiac arrest victim’s family will soon be told their loved one is no longer alive when the outcome could possibly have been different if there had been someone trained in CPR on the scene.

“If everyone could spare a small amount of time to learn CPR, one day it could make a big difference and save a life.”

Victoria White, director of IW Ambulance Service, said: “It’s not always our ambulance staff who are first on scene.

“Learning CPR is something everyone can do, and the difference it can make to an individual and their family’s life is just enormous.

“Getting involved in Restart a Heart Day events is just one way on the Island that we can support our community to learn CPR.”