Cardiac arrest survivor thanks paramedic

A man who survived a sudden cardiac arrest has thanked the paramedic who saved his life.

Simon Thompson had been experiencing pain and discomfort in his chest and forearms for several weeks before becoming unwell on 9 August last year.

Chloe Spencer, from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), arrived at his home, where he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.

EEAST said Spencer immediately began CPR and used a defibrillator to shock his heart.

Thompson said he assumed his symptoms were linked to training in the gym.

"I'd gone to my office early as usual, on the way home, I wasn't feeling right. I had tightness in my chest," he said.

"I sat on the settee with a bottle of water. I broke out in a sweat all over; that's the last I remember.

"I had a cardiac arrest. I woke with the team around me calling my name and asking me questions."

Additional ambulance crews arrived to help, and once stable, he was taken to Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, where he had two stents fitted.

Thompson said he was planning a skiing holiday after making a full recovery.

He added: "Myself and my family cannot thank Chloe, the East of England Ambulance Service, Magpas and Royal Papworth Hospital enough."

He was reunited with Spencer at Huntingdon Ambulance Station.

Spencer said: "Emergencies like this reinforce the importance of early CPR and defibrillation in saving someone's life."

She added: "These steps ultimately allowed Simon to defy the odds and continue living a happy life with his family."

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