A grandfather from Margate who spent more than four months in hospital following a cardiac arrest was delighted to meet the ambulance crew who helped to save his life.

Chris Bax, now aged 72, collapsed in cardiac arrest at his home in Margate in September 2023. Chris’s wife of 50 years, Judith, was at home at the time and witnessed the collapse.

First to respond on scene within two minutes of the 999 call was paramedic, Shannon Reed and student paramedic, Rachael Baker. They arrived to find Chris collapsed and unconscious on the living room floor.

Shannon and Rachael commenced CPR (cardiac pulmonary resuscitation), before being joined by emergency care support worker, Christie Thompson, associate ambulance practitioner, Benjamin Mayo, student paramedic, Jay Young and critical care paramedic, Geoffrey Fitch, who delivered a shock with a defibrillator to bring Chris’s heart back into a more normal rhythm.

A team from Air Ambulance Charity, Kent, Surrey, Sussex joined crews on scene and stabilised Chris’ breathing before airlifting him to St Georges Hospital in London, where he spent one week in the intensive care unit. When he woke from being sedated, he was unable to speak, walk or eat.

Once out of intensive care, Chris was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, and finally the Kent and Canterbury Hospital from where he was discharged after having spent a total of 19 weeks in hospital following his collapse.

Chris continued to face a challenging recovery with an extensive rehabilitation programme. As part of his journey, Chris and Judith were extremely pleased to visit South East Coast Ambulance Service’s Thanet Make Ready Centre, where they were reunited with Shannon, Rachael, Ben and Christie, who together were able to answer some of their questions.

Chris is currently part of a wellbeing walk program which is helping him with his recovery and enjoys a game of bowls with Judith. He is looking forward to enjoying some longer bike rides again, but for now his grandchildren are keeping him busy!

Judith said, “We are an active couple and enjoy playing bowls, and so it was rare that I was at home on a Wednesday afternoon. Thankfully I was, and able to call an ambulance for Chris immediately.”

Chris said: “This was an extremely frustrating period of my life, as prior to the collapse, I was fit and healthy, and enjoyed riding around 400 miles per week on my bike so it really was life changing.”

Judith said: “I am a retired teacher, and so when Chris woke, I put my skills to the test and was helping him with speech therapy and teaching him the basics. We’re still taking every day as it comes.”

Shannon said: “I was so happy to be able to meet Chris and Judith in such positive circumstances, and to see how far Chris has come since his collapse. It’s great to see he has made such positive steps in the few months which he has been home.”

Ben said: “It’s rare that we get to meet survivors, and so it was a pleasure to sit with Chris and Judith to hear more about Chris’ busy lifestyle before his collapse, and how he plans to get back out on his bike soon. I, along with the entire crew would like to wish them both the all the best for the future.”

Chris added: “I’m very grateful to have had the chance to be reunited with my lifesavers. It was emotional seeing them and bringing back the memories of such a challenging period of my life, but I am grateful for everything they did and to be here today.”