**Father Survives Cardiac Arrest Thanks to Son’s Quick Thinking**
A father from Sedgefield, County Durham, experienced a life-threatening cardiac arrest after initially mistaking the symptoms for heartburn. Philip Raw, 47, was at home with his 16-year-old son, Thomas, when he began to feel chest pains. At first, he dismissed these pains as minor, attributing them to heartburn. However, as the discomfort persisted, Thomas swiftly recognised the severity of the situation, prompting him to call for emergency assistance.
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As the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) crew arrived on the scene, Philip’s condition deteriorated abruptly, leading him into cardiac arrest. Given that only one in ten individuals survives such an incident, the urgency of immediate intervention cannot be overstated. Data indicates that every minute without CPR or defibrillation decreases the chance of survival by approximately 10%.
Reflecting on his experience, Philip recounted, “I initially thought it was heartburn and took a tablet; when the pain returned, I knew something was off. That’s when I asked Thomas to phone an ambulance.” Thomas remained composed during the frantic moments, answering questions posed by the health advisor while anxiously waiting for the ambulance.
Upon arrival, the ambulance crew, including paramedic Adam Hall, quickly began administering CPR. Adam emphasised the critical nature of rapid response, stating, “Every second counts in a cardiac arrest, so recognising the symptoms and initiating treatment promptly is vital.”
In the midst of the trauma, Thomas displayed remarkable courage. One crew member escorted him away from the grim scene to ensure he was not confronted with the full intensity of the situation. Elizabeth Jackson, an ambulance support practitioner, praised Thomas’s bravery, remarking on how he managed to assist in a challenging moment.
Philip was subsequently admitted to James Cook University Hospital, where he received comprehensive care. Thankfully, he made a commendable recovery and has since returned to his daily life, sharing quality moments with his family. He expressed immense gratitude to the NEAS crew for their life-saving efforts, acknowledging that without Thomas’s swift actions and the medical team’s intervention, he may not be here today.
This heartwarming story illustrates the importance of recognising symptoms of severe health issues and acting promptly. CPR can significantly increase chances of survival during emergencies, and the community is encouraged to learn this life-saving skill. Understanding the distinction between cardiac arrest and a heart attack is equally important, as both conditions require immediate medical attention.
For further information on CPR and to learn how to save a life, visit the NEAS website.