February 16, 2018 2.15 pm This story is over 79 months old

Dad reunited with paramedics who aided son in saving his life

He had to be shocked more than 11 times.

A Barton-Upon-Humber dad has been reunited with the ambulance crew who helped save his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest at home.

Tony Chapman, 62, was out playing snooker at the Corn Exchange in Barton on Friday, September 16, 2016, with his son, Alvin, when he began to feel unwell.

With no history of heart problems he didn’t think he was having a heart attack.

At 10.30pm he walked into his home to wife Ellen and lay down on the sofa. Alvin, who had completed his first aid at work certificate, recognised the symptoms of a heart attack and called 999.

Moments later Tony became unconscious and stopped breathing. Wife Ellen made a frantic second 999 call and Alvin performed chest compressions on his dad.

Minutes later Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Services (LIVES) Doctor Mark Clayton was on scene and able to provide vital defibrillation to Tony.

He was followed by paramedic Mike Watkinson and ambulance crew Nicola Jenson and George Gregory.

After shocking Tony and stabilising him, they transported him to Hull Royal Infirmary Hospital. Once arrived, he went into cardiac arrest again.

Whilst in hospital, Tony was shocked a further 11 times. He was transferred to Castle Hill Hospital for a stent to be fitted.

Tony said: “I feel so privileged to be able to say thank you and for the fact that I am here.

“I had plans to retire and I have now been given the chance to continue the plans.”

Paramedic Mark said: “It is nice to feel appreciated and know that the actions we take have an impact on people’s lives.”