Keynsham man thanks lifesaving 999 crew

A KEYNSHAM man has been reunited with the ambulance crew who helped save his life.

Edd Pocock, 43, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in the early hours of Monday March 23 this year. Recognising that something was seriously wrong, Edd’s wife Terrianne called 999.

Crews from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) quickly arrived on scene, providing life-saving care and delivering two defibrillator shocks.

Once stable, Edd was taken to the Bristol Heart Institute, where he spent 29 days. While in hospital, Edd had a stent and an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) fitted.

Now back home and recovering well, Edd and his family were recently reunited with paramedic Josh Dodge, emergency ambulance associate Maddie Bunniss and Bristol Ambulance EMS colleagues Ismael and Neil at Keynsham Ambulance Station.

Edd said: “I want to say thank you to Josh, Maddie, Ismael, and Neil for saving my life and for giving me the incredible gift of being reunited with you all.

“I can’t put into words how much it means to me. Being able to share such a special experience together was something I’ll never forget.”

Paramedic Josh said: “Moments like this remind me why I love what I do and make all the hard work truly worthwhile. It was wonderful to meet Edd and his family, and I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Every year, ambulance clinicians respond to thousands of patients suffering cardiac arrest. Survival depends on early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid access to a defibrillator and prompt advanced medical care.

The South Western Ambulance Service is encouraging everyone to learn CPR and familiarise themselves with the use and location of their nearest public access defibrillator. In a cardiac arrest, every second counts and early action can save a life.

Now continuing his recovery, Edd is looking forward to spending time with his family and getting back into work.

To find out more about recognising the signs of a cardiac arrest and what to do, visit https://www.swast.nhs.uk/saving-lives-together

To find out more about free CPR and defibrillator training from the South Western Ambulance Service, visit https://www.swast.nhs.uk/cpr-and-defibrillator-training