Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Defibrillator used in dramatic twist at jazz fundraiser
A jazz night to raise money for life-saving defibrillators ended in near-tragedy – after one had to be used to resuscitate a first-aider.
St John Ambulance volunteer Steve Walker, 59, from Littlebourne, suffered a heart attack and collapsed after wandering away from colleagues at the busy garden party.
Fellow first-aider Dave Amos heard a commotion and rushed over to find Mr Walker lying unconscious on the ground.
“When I head the shouting I instantly thought Steve must have come across someone who needed our help,” he said.
“I ran over, but when I got there it was Steve who had collapsed.”
Mr Walker – an area manager for St John’s – had stopped breathing so Mr Amos rushed to his car to grab a defibrillator.
He then performed CPR with fellow volunteers Ray Ashman and Dr Ian Jutting.
Mr Walker was rushed to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, where he was treated for a blocked artery.
He said: “I was having a really lovely evening, enjoying the jazz and having a catch up with my friends.
“The next thing I knew I woke up in hospital having had a cardiac arrest. It was very sudden – I’d had no pain, no warnings really.
“The team did an excellent job and I can’t praise them enough. I was so fortunate to be among friends and colleagues who were so well trained.
“I never thought I’d be on the receiving end of CPR, but my story shows exactly why it’s better to know what to do and to be able to just get on with it.
“If I’d have been at home by myself, the outcome probably would have been very different. I owe them my life.”
The event at Godinton House, near Ashford, was attended by 200 people and organised by St John’s members to raise money for more defibrillators.
Mr Amos said: “I’m pretty sure everyone left the evening fully appreciating why it’s so important to have this equipment available in public places.
To find out more about St John Ambulance, visit www.sja. org.uk or call 08700 104950.