Family thank Air Ambulance for their ongoing support

A WIFE who fought to save her husband’s life has praised Thames Valley Air Ambulance for the ongoing care the family have received since he suffered a cardiac arrest at home.

On 22 September last year, 39-year-old Michael was watching TV with his family. But the pleasant evening turned sour when his 11-year-old daughter Mollie noticed that her father’s eyes had rolled back and he was gasping for breath.

Thankfully, his wife Nicola, a voluntary Community First Responder with South Central Ambulance Service, recognised that Michael was in cardiac arrest.

Whilst Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s crew were racing to Michael’s side, Nicola sprang into action.

Knowing the severity of Michael’s condition, she immediately began CPR.

She said: “Just a year before Michael’s cardiac arrest, he had encouraged me to become a Community First Responder. I’m so thankful that he did, because when he unexpectedly became ill, I knew exactly what to do and I had a defibrillator in my car. As I placed the pads on Michael to shock him, I was desperately begging him not to leave me. I just did my best to keep my husband alive.”

Fortunately, Thames Valley

Air Ambulance’s critical care crew arrived quickly. Working to support the land ambulance team on scene they relieved Nicola and continued Michael’s treatment. To stabilise his abnormal heart rhythm, Critical Care Paramedic Rich and Doctor Iain gave Michael the advanced drugs carried onboard the helicopter.

Michael and Nicola are one of the first families to benefit from Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s aftercare service.

Nicola said: “Although I’ve treated people in cardiac arrest before, it was particularly tough treating my own husband. Michael received brilliant treatment from all those involved, but his recovery journey has been bumpy, which has had an effect on all of the family.

“Fortunately, the care we received from Thames Valley Air Ambulance has continued since that day, thanks to Patient Liaison Manager, Adam Crosby. It’s such a comfort to have his support, from translating complicated medical terms to even just listening to us.

“We’re so grateful to Thames Valley Air Ambulance for treating my husband on that day, but also for the amazing aftercare we’ve received as a family since.”

To find out more about Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s aftercare service or learn more about its work, visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk or call 0300 999 0135.