Western Morning News (Saturday)
Finlay meets his lifesavers
ACORNISH boy who suffered a cardiac arrest while at school has reunited with the Cornwall Air Ambulance paramedics who saved his life.
Finlay Roberts, 12, suffered the attack due to a previously unknown heart condition while at Penrice Academy, on December 9 last year.
However, due to the quick actions of staff, his life was saved thanks to the school’s defibrillator – which brought him extra time for the paramedics to arrive on scene.
Cornwall Air Ambulance critical care paramedics Thomas Hennessy-Jones and Louise Lamble were sent to deal with the emergency.
They were able to transfer Finlay to Royal Cornwall Hospital for further care.
There, it was found Finlay had a genetic condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – in which the muscle of the heart becomes abnormally thick, making it harder to pump blood.
Since his medical episode, Finlay has been fitted with a cardio implant and has returned to school.
His family has also launched a campaign calling for all UK schools to install defibrillators, so other lives can potentially be saved.
Finlay, who was 11 at the time of the attack, had been dropped off at school by his mother at around 8am. Less than an hour later, on the way to a class, he collapsed.
Finlay’s mum, Donna Richards, said: “You know when the air ambulance is called it’s a serious thing, and we knew it was serious anyway.
“They came in and they were absolutely amazing, they looked after both of us – I was a bit of a mess and Finlay was on the floor, quite agitated when they arrived.
“They were really lovely, and Thomas came with us to the hospital and stayed with us for a bit in
RESUS, so it’s nice to see them again.”
Following the incident, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust is now supporting Finlay’s campaign, highlighting the importance of early intervention when dealing with these types of medical incidents.
CEO Tim Bunting said: “When it comes to these types of medical incidents, early intervention is key. Being able to access a defibrillator can give patients that extra time needed to get a medical professional to their side, who can then administer advanced care and help them on to hospital.
“Without a doubt, these devices give patients the absolute best chance for a successful recovery, and we support Finlay’s campaign to call for them to be implemented in all schools across the UK.
“We are also looking to install defibrillators at our own charity shops across Cornwall, to help give more members of the public a fighting chance in these medical emergencies.”