A Sussex man has set his heart on joining the ambulance service after being reunited with his SECAmb lifesavers after suffering a life-threatening pulmonary embolism in November.

Colin Marvelly, 54, from Horsham, Sussex, was suddenly overcome with breathlessness and a sense of unease at his home on 27 November 2024.

Recognising something was seriously wrong, he called 111 and was connected to Health Advisor Richard Donald. Sensing the urgency, Richard quickly escalated the call to a category 2 emergency.

Resource Dispatcher SeYuk Tseng coordinated crewmates Katy Willis and Helen Flynn to attend Colin’s home. On arrival, Katy and Helen suspected a pulmonary embolism which is a potentially fatal condition where a blood clot blocks a vessel in the lungs.

After providing treatment at home, they conveyed Colin to East Surrey Hospital where it was suggested that the slipped discs in his spine increased the risk of developing blood clots, which had been a contributing factor in causing pulmonary embolism.

Now on the road to recovery, Colin, who dreams of joining the ambulance service recently visited the Trust’s Gatwick Make Ready Centre to personally thank the team who helped to save his life.

Reuniting with Richard, Katy, and Helen, Colin expressed his sincere gratitude and took the opportunity to learn more about life on the frontline, as well as sharing some anecdotes with the team.

“From the symptoms that Colin shared over the phone, I knew I had to immediately upgrade the call and get an ambulance on the way quickly.” Richard said.

“My diagnosis has certainly made me look at life differently with a better understanding of our fragility.” Said Colin.

“They potentially saved my life for which I will remain forever grateful. Said Colin. "The team has re-kindled my desire to apply for the ambulance service to fulfil a lifelong dream from when I was saved by a paramedic also named Colin some nearly 50 years ago!”

Katy said, “It was lovely to hear that Colin wanted to reunite with us and it was a pleasure meeting him again in more positive circumstances.”

Helen added: “Colin is a lovely man, and it was fantastic to reunite with him. I’m glad to hear he has recovered well and wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Richard added “I hope to see Colin on the frontline sometime soon!”