An Isle of Wight man who nearly died after suffering a heart attack last year has praised those who helped save his life.
Thanks to basic life-saving skills, Paul Gould, from Ryde, is alive and celebrating his 55th birthday.
Now, on Restart A Heart Day, the 55-year-old, recalls the moment he suffered a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest whilst swimming at Gurnard Pines earlier this year.
Paul said:
“I was very fortunate that the lifeguards were trained in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) because I don’t know what would have happened if I had been at home with nobody to assist me.
“The last thing I remember is a massive pain in my chest and trying to get to the side of the pool to alert the lifeguards. The next thing I was waking up in hospital two days later blissfully unaware of everything that had gone on.
“I was told it was a bit of a miracle and that I was extremely lucky but I think it was more the expertise of the Ambulance responders and the lifeguards that I am around today and I am incredibly thankful to them.”
This year in support of Restart a Heart Day, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is encouraging people of all ages to learn basic life support skills and not to be afraid get hands on and give Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to help save a life.
Louise Walker, IOW NHS Trust Ambulance Education, Training & Engagement Lead said:
“This week we were very privileged to reunite Paul with some of his rescuers after he made a remarkable recovery from his cardiac arrest. Early CPR undoubtedly helped to save Paul’s life and it is wonderful to see him well and able to continue to enjoy life. This is the outcome that we would want for everyone who sustains a cardiac arrest.
“80% of out of hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home and with increased numbers of people staying home, it may be a loved one you are called on to help so learning and performing CPR could be the difference between life and death for a family member, a colleague at work, or a stranger in the street.
“Don’t be afraid to give CPR, get hands on and do your best before the paramedics arrive as it can save someone’s life.”
How to perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
When someone collapses and stops breathing normally, it is important to quickly call 999, perform hands-only CPR and use a defibrillator. Hands-only CPR reduces your risk of catching an infection.
In light of COVID-19, the steps you should take when performing CPR have changed but the need to perform CPR has not.
1. If someone is collapsed and not breathing normally, do not put your face next to theirs
2. Call for an ambulance
3. Use a towel or piece of clothing and lay it over the mouth and nose
4. Do not do mouth to mouth
5. Start chest compressions to the tempo of “Stayin’ Alive”
6. Use a Public Access Defibrillator if available
Further information about Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation is available online at www.resus.org.uk including a video that explains the steps you should take if you see someone in cardiac arrest.
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