Woking man meets the team that saved his life
He received 15 shocks from a defibrillator to restart his heart
Last updated 16th Sep 2024
A man from Woking has met the team that saved his life with 15 shocks from a defibrillator to restart his heart.
62-year old Ian Marples met the South East Coast Ambulance Team and let them know that he is alive and well and suffering no ill effects from his cardiac arrest.
Ian suffered a cardiac arrest on the 17th March 2021 after going to his GP practice on the advice of the walk-in centre in Woking, where he received an Electrocardiogram (ECG).
His results appeared normal and it was believed his symptoms might be related to a stomach issue. He was advised to visit his GP surgery next door for further examination.
When he arrived his condition got worse and an ambulance was called, but as it arrived Ian went into Cardiac arrest.
Former Paramedic Rose Price and Trainee Associate Practitioner Rebecca Derriman called for back up which saw the arrival of Critical Care Paramedic Tom Mikrut and Operational Team Leader Mick Byrne.
Ian received 15 shocks from the defibrillator to restart his heart before being taken St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, where he was fitted with a stent.
The reunion came about after Ian contacted the Patient Liaison Team as he wanted the opportunity to show those that helped him how well he is doing.
Speaking about Ian’s recovery, Tom Mikrut said:
“It’s fantastic to see Ian doing so well and to hear everything he has been doing while recovering. It was a real team effort caring for Ian, from the GP surgery staff to the ambulance crew, and the team taking over his care in hospital. Ian is a fantastic example that early recognition of cardiac arrest, CPR and defibrillation leads to the best outcomes, and I'd encourage everyone to learn these essential skills."
Reflecting on the experience, Ian said:
"The team went above and beyond, giving everything they had to save me. I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication. It was truly a privilege to reunite with them and show them that I’m healthy today because of their efforts."