The iconic 10 Downing Street, one of the UK’s most recognisable addresses, provided a backdrop for our SECAmb team and two bystander lifesavers to reunite with a Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Officer whose life they helped save.
Peter, an Officer with the MET Police living in Kent, welcomed the team to the famous Downing Street and New Scotland Yard addresses as a thank you to his lifesavers after collapsing while training in Gravesend, Kent for a 500-mile walk known as the Camino de Santiago which would see him trek from France across North Spain.
With fewer than one in 10 people surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, Peter’s survival is a striking reminder of the importance of the chain of survival which sees early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation and expert emergency care come together to give someone a second chance at life.
Shortly before 08:30 on 18 May, Peter was spotted collapsed, unconscious and not breathing by members of the public, Andrew and Steve who were cycling along their usual route on the trail near Thong Lane in Gravesend.
Steve immediately dialled 999 and guided step-by-step by Emergency Medical Advisor, Chloe, Andrew began chest compressions under her urgent instructions.
“Immediate action is critical,” said Chloe. “Bystander CPR and quick defibrillation gives someone the best chance of survival. Peter’s story is a textbook example of how it all comes together in real life.”
On receipt of Steve’s 999 call, Resource Dispatcher, Laura and Dispatch Team Leader, Sarah organised a team who were at the scene within five minutes.
Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Lauren, Newly Qualified Paramedic, Lauren, Paramedic, Tom, Trainee Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Terry, and Operational Team Leader Sophia arrived to give Peter much needed medical attention.
Establishing a shockable rhythm, they quickly delivered a defibrillator shock to Peter’s heart as well as continuing CPR until Peter’s heart successfully restarted. After a second shock, the team confirmed a successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) on Peter and shortly after, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) joined the effort, providing advanced interventions en route to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford to support his breathing.
“Both Andrew and Steve stayed calm under enormous pressure that day.” said Lauren, Newly Qualified Paramedic. “Andrew’s immediate CPR before we even arrived gave Peter the best possible chance. It’s a reminder that bystander action is often the difference between life and death.”
Following his recovery, Peter invited the SECAmb team, alongside Andrew and Steve, to New Scotland Yard and Downing Street where they were reunited with Peter, his father, and his son. There, they reflected on the extraordinary teamwork that had saved his life and that anyone armed with the knowledge of CPR can be the difference between life and death. The team were also lucky enough to get a rare glimpse into two addresses that many will never get the opportunity to visit in their lifetime, as well as getting to meet the famous Downing Street resident cat, Larry.
“You’re all here today because of me. But I am only here because of you,” said Peter. “Being reunited with everyone at New Scotland Yard and Downing Street, with my dad and my son there too was an emotional reminder of what teamwork can achieve. Everyone should feel proud of their own accomplishments and ultimately, see their value in a world that sometime forgets to pat its heroes on the back.”
Andrew said “Seeing Peter again alive and well with his family and supportive network of colleagues around him was incredibly moving. It really hit home that those first few minutes of CPR made all the difference. Working together as part of a team effort that helped save his life is something I’ll never forget. The kindness and care in that room was overwhelming.”
Peter’s survival was not just a stroke of luck; it was a testament to the vital role of bystander CPR and our emergency response. Each link in the chain of survival had been executed perfectly, giving Peter that second chance at life. You can learn how to perform CPR in under 15 minutes and help save a life, just like Andrew and Steve via The British Heart Foundation. Click here to become a lifesaver – all you need is a mobile or laptop device and a pillow.