A Thameside paramedic was instrumental in ensuring her father was able to say thank you to her colleagues for saving his life in a heart-warming birthday reunion recently.

Robin, was at home with his wife of 62 years, Pam when he suffered a cardiac arrest in April this year.

Concerned about the chest pain he was suffering from, Pam phoned their daughter, Tammy, a paramedic based at Thameside ambulance station for advice.

Tammy, who was on duty at the time, immediately told her mum to dial 999. Pam’s call was answered by Emergency Medical Advisor Cristina, who quickly recognised the symptoms and triaged the call as a Category 2 emergency, suspecting a heart attack.

Resource Dispatcher, Courtney coordinated a team of five ambulance colleagues to Robin and Pam’s home, with Operational Team Leader, Dan the first to arrive on scene.

As Dan assessed Robin, he began slipping in and out of consciousness before going into cardiac arrest. Dan requested a grade 1 backup and crewmates Stacie and Amelia soon arrived to assist, followed by Stuart and Samantha. Working together, the team delivered CPR and administered one shock with a defibrillator, successfully restarting Robin’s heart.

Robin was taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, where he underwent surgery on his existing stents to wider the blocked artery.

Six months later, Robin, Pam, their daughter Tammy and their wider family visited Dartford ambulance station to thank Cristina, Courtney, Dan, Samantha, Stacie and Stuart in person, a reunion made even more special as it took place on Robin’s birthday.

With survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests stubbornly low in the UK, with fewer than one in 10 people surviving, early chest compressions and the use of a defibrillator can double someone’s chances of survival.

You can learn how to save a life in minutes with the Resuscitation Council by clicking here.

Robin said “I can’t thank everyone enough for what they did for me that day. Without their quick actions and teamwork, I simply wouldn’t be here to see my grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up."

Tammy added “As a paramedic, you know what the team on the other end of the call are capable of, but when it’s your own family, it hits differently. I’m so grateful to every single person involved for saving my dad’s life.”

Operational Team Leader, Dan, said “It was a real team effort from start to finish, from the initial 999 call through to the crews on scene. It’s always a special moment when we see a patient recover so well, and it was lovely to welcome Robin and his family back to the station to celebrate such a positive outcome.”