A Kent man has been reunited with the
ambulance crews and others who helped save his life at the gym
where he suffered a cardiac arrest in June.
Steve Beal, 47, from Kings Hill, who collapsed and went
into cardiac arrest at David Lloyd Kings Hill, on 26 June, met with
ambulance crews and club staff to thank all those involved in
helping to save his life on Sunday 24 September.
The quick thinking and actions of Steve’s
training partner, Matt Carter, and club staff, saw Steve receive
immediate life-saving CPR and a shock with a defibrillator in the
moments before SECAmb clinician Phil Parrish arrived at the
scene.
Phil was joined by colleagues and the air
ambulance service as the resuscitation continued and the team
worked together to stabilise Steve before he was taken to William
Harvey Hospital where he received emergency treatment to fit two
stents.
“The first thing I remember is waking up the
next morning in hospital with friends telling me what had
happened,” said Steve. “At first I didn’t believe a word of it. It
was just incredible what everyone did. I’m so grateful. From the
first moments and treatment I received from the staff to the
ambulance crews and my treatment at hospital. Every breath I take
now is a bonus.”
Phil Parrish added: “It was great for everyone
to meet Steve, obviously in far better circumstances. The action of
everyone at the scene prior to our arrival was vital in giving him
the best chance of survival and shows how important it is that
people take the opportunity to learn CPR. On behalf of all my
colleagues I’d like to wish him all the best for the future.”