A man who went into cardiac arrest while being driven on the A13 in Brentwood has thanked emergency services for saving his life.
Brian Abbott was travelling to Thriftwood Scout Camp in February when he began to feel unwell and decided he was unfit to drive.
His friends then decided to drive him to Orsett Fire Station as his health started to deteriorate.
On arrival the 65-year-old had no pulse and was not breathing.
Paramedics at the Fire Station used a double shock from a defibrillator to save Brian and get his heart beating again before he was transferred to hospital.
At an event to thank staff, he said: “I would like to thank you all for doing what you do otherwise I would not be here.”
Senior Paramedic, James Samouelle added:
“It was very humbling and an honour to meet Brian and his family, seeing how much our efforts meant to them all. It is very satisfying to see the results that can be achieved when the team works well together and the difference we can make.
“It was a case of the stars aligning in Brian’s favour that day. From his friend taking him to the fire station, to the HART team being on site and the level of care and response they gave him, the additional support and care we were able to deliver and the skill and speed of the cardiac team at Basildon”.
Brian has now been fitted with three stents and said he is making a good recovery with his rehabilitation.
Tags: Essex, Brentwood, East of England Ambulance, Orsett
