Grandfather reunites with medics who saved him

One year after a near-fatal abdominal aortic aneurysm, a Whitstable grandfather has been reunited with the ambulance paramedics who got him to surgery just in time.

David, who was getting ready to leave for his surprise 80th birthday party, was taken to hospital by South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) paramedics Richard, Sam and student paramedic Fantasia after experiencing back pain, one-sided weakness and was struggling to breathe.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a widening of the main artery (aorta) in the body, which runs through the abdomen from the heart to the stomach.

While on the operating table, David's aorta ruptured, confirming just how close he came to losing his life.

"I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them," David said.

"They trusted their instincts and acted fast.

"Thanks to them, I get more time with my family."

After the rupture, David went on to spend 10 days in intensive care and a further 10 weeks at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) hospital in Margate, recovering from major surgery before being discharged home.

One year later, David has returned with his family to Ashford Make Ready Centre in Kent to reunite with the paramedics from Secamb who cover Kent, Surrey and Sussex and thank them personally for being a part of his life-saving care.

Richard said : "The three of us have thought a lot about David since that day and seeing him a year on and doing well makes everything we do worthwhile."

David says he is now looking forward to celebrating his 81st birthday later this month.

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