Two paramedics from Taunton have shared their experience of an exceptionally rare event in which a woman suffering a cardiac arrest was able to speak to them en route to hospital. The rescue of 59-year-old Karen was featured in an episode of 999: On the Front Line, broadcast on Channel 4’s More4 on 27 September.
Lee, one of the paramedics, reflected on the emergency, saying: “Because we were able to provide life-saving treatment very quickly, Karen was actually talking to us in the back of the ambulance. This is something that almost never happens, and it was an incredible feeling. We felt truly fortunate.”
Lauren, the other paramedic involved, added: “It is incredibly rare for someone to survive after a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting; the survival rate is typically less than 10 per cent. Karen was very lucky that we were there when this happened.”
READ MORE: Extensive Road Closures and Restrictions Planned Across Bath and North East Somerset
READ MORE: Somerset Finish Runners-Up in County Championship Yet Again
The paramedics were called after Karen experienced several days of severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Having previously suffered a heart attack six years before and with a known history of heart problems, Lauren said this immediately raised concerns.
Shortly after their arrival, Karen went into cardiac arrest. Lauren described this critical moment: “This is when the patient can stop breathing, and it is an extremely urgent situation.” Lee promptly requested additional support while Lauren commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Their swift actions led to Karen being resuscitated successfully before she was transported to Musgrove Park Hospital. Reflecting on the events, Lauren remarked to Lee: “Everything escalated very quickly.” Lee responded: “You cannot get that kind of feeling from any other job in the world.”
By the end of the programme, it was revealed that doctors had discovered two blocked arteries in Karen’s heart. Karen recounted, “The doctors inserted three stents and took me into the Coronary Care Unit, where I remained for six days.” She expressed her gratitude by saying, “I would just like to thank everyone who was involved in my care.”
The episode of 999: On the Front Line also covered other challenging cases, including that of a newborn baby named Marius, who was experiencing breathing difficulties and whose worried parents had called emergency services after noticing a fever and laboured breathing.
Additionally, the programme highlighted the work of call operator Emma at the Emergency Operations Centre in Bristol, who dealt with a distressing incident involving a woman who had taken an overdose. Emma noted the rise in mental health-related emergency calls.
999: On the Front Line airs on More4 on Sundays at 9pm.