Two paramedics from Taunton have recounted an “incredibly rare” incident when a woman they resuscitated following a cardiac arrest was able to speak to them en route to hospital. Lee and Lauren attended to 59-year-old Karen in a dramatic rescue that was featured in an episode of 999: On the Front Line, broadcast on Channel 4’s More4 on 27 September.
Reflecting on the emergency, Lee said: “Because we were able to provide life-saving treatment so quickly, Karen was actually talking to us in the back of the ambulance. This almost never happens. It was an amazing feeling. We felt incredibly fortunate.”
Lauren added: “It is incredibly rare for someone to recover after cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting. Survival rates are less than 10 per cent. Karen was very lucky we were there when it happened.”
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The pair had been called after Karen experienced severe chest pains and difficulty breathing over several days. She had a history of heart problems, including a heart attack six years earlier, which immediately raised “alarm bells” for Lauren.
Shortly after their arrival, Karen suffered a cardiac arrest. Lauren explained, “At this point, the patient can stop breathing, making it a critical moment.” Lee called for further support while Lauren began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Their swift action successfully revived Karen before transporting her to Musgrove Park Hospital. Lauren remarked, “That situation escalated incredibly quickly.” To which Lee responded, “I don’t think you can get that kind of feeling from any other job.”
By the end of the programme, viewers learned that doctors found two blocked arteries. Karen shared, “The doctors fitted three stents and admitted me to the Coronary Care Unit, where I stayed for six days. I would like to thank everyone involved in my care.”
The episode of 999: On the Front Line also featured other challenging cases, including a newborn named Marius who was experiencing breathing difficulties. His distressed parents contacted emergency services after he developed a fever and struggled to breathe.
Another poignant story involved Emma, an emergency call operator based at the Emergency Operations Centre in Bristol, who spoke with a woman following an overdose. Emma noted a rise in mental health-related emergency calls.
999: On the Front Line continues to air on More4 on Sundays at 9 pm.