Trowbridge man reunited with life-saving paramedics after cardiac arrest
Martin O’Neill is sharing his story to highlight the importance of CPR training
A Trowbridge man who survived a cardiac arrest has reunited with the ambulance crew who saved his life and is sharing his story to promote CPR training.
Martin O’Neill, aged 67, collapsed in the kitchen of his home on 29th April 2025, just after returning from a run. His wife Jane found him unresponsive and immediately started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a skill she had learned through her lifeguard training, while calling 999 for help.
Paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust arrived quickly and restored Martin’s heartbeat before transferring him to the Royal United Hospital in Bath for emergency treatment.
Martin was later moved to the Bristol Heart Institute, where he underwent major heart surgery, including a quadruple bypass. He was discharged on 4th June 2025.
On 7th January 2026, Martin and Jane met the paramedics who played a vital role in saving his life — Laura Burbage, Jake Vickery, Evan Crowley, Zoe Ryan, and Joanna Francis-Lamb — at Trowbridge Ambulance Station.
"forever grateful"
Martin and Jane are urging people to learn CPR, emphasising how crucial early intervention can be in emergencies. Medical experts agree that immediate CPR significantly increased Martin’s chances of survival.
“Being reunited with the ambulance crew who saved my life is something really special,” Martin said. “I owe everything to their skill, speed, and compassion, but I also know without CPR being started immediately, I simply wouldn’t be here today. Those few minutes made all the difference. I’m living proof that learning CPR saves lives, and I’ll be forever grateful to everyone who played a part in giving me a second chance.”
Paramedic Laura Burbage said: “It was such a privilege meeting Martin and Jane again and seeing Martin recovering so well. In those critical moments, we do our job hoping for the best, but reunions like this remind me why I became a paramedic. Knowing I played a small part in their journey makes me incredibly proud, and I wish both Martin and Jane nothing but happiness, strength, and all the best for the future.”
Jane added: “This experience has shown us just how critical CPR knowledge is. I was incredibly fortunate to have had regular training. I would encourage everyone to learn CPR; it can save lives.”