Seeing that you trained me,,,,,,,
I thought I would share a an experience with you.
WEDENESDAY 3rd JANUARY 2018. MARKET STREET, MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE At 12.50 hrs. today I was walking down Market Street on my way back to the office. I was speaking to Fiona (girlfriend) on the mobile when I noticed a gentleman fall to the ground. He was approximately 60 – 65 years of age, well dressed and probably six feet tall.
Before he fell, I noticed him grasp his chest with his left hand. He then paused before he dropped to the ground. When he fell he cracked his face on the pavement causing a deep bleeding wound to the right hand side of his head.
There were four ladies around him in a short time, but they were doing nothing but stroking his hand and the back of his head. I put my phone away, walked over to him and pushed my way through the by-standers. I told the ladies that he wasn’t breathing and I needed to take charge. I went on to tell them that I was an EMT paramedic and a first aid instructor.
There was no response from the man and nor was he breathing. I started CPR while a number of the bystanders were talking to the ambulance service on their phones.. After two or three minutes and two cracked ribs, I was joined by a police officer. I asked him to take over the chest compressions immediately as I was beginning to tire. We carried out the compressions alternatively until the first paramedic arrived two minutes later.
The paramedic instructed me to continue with the CPR until he attached the defibrillator. There were still no signs of life at this stage. The paramedic shouted for me to stand clear as he shocked the casualty. Unfortunately this made no difference. He then secured an airway and attached an I.V before attempting another shock. I stopped the compressions while he shocked him once more. There was still no life after the second shock.
I continued the compressions until three more paramedics arrived. They removed the line from the smaller defibrillator and connected the larger machine from the ambulance . I was told to stand clear for the third and final time. I watched as they shocked him once more and immediately noticed his chest rise. I had caused damage on his chest as a result of the compressions. His airway sprung into life as he let out a gurgling cough.. He was finally breathing albeit laboured.
While the paramedics worked on his body I was asked to operate the bag and mask issuing mild ventilations until such time they secured him on the slide board stretcher. They took him to the ambulance as soon as they were happy for him to be moved.
As the ambulance drove away the police officer asked for my telephone number so he could give me an update later in the day.
The officer has just rang me. The gentleman suffered a massive coronary and is in theatre. He is however likely to make a recovery.
The consultant informed the police officer that without the CPR there is no doubt the chap would have died.
Not a typical lunchtime in Manchester, but a lucky one!
Hi Sean,
Hope you're ok.
On 3rd January this year, you saved my dad's life when he had a heart attack in Manchester City Centre. I know you and he have spoken since then but I just wanted to say thank you myself for what you did.
I am not usually stuck for words however on this occasion, words just don't seem enough for what you did, in fact nothing does! When we found out what happened and tried to piece the events of that day together, we were overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers that helped my dad, none more than you and PC Semple - I'm sure a lot of people walked past, unsure of what to do or even unable to help but you did neither and because of that, my dad is still here.
As I have said, words are not really enough for what you have done but thank you - truly - for what you did on that day. It will never be forgotten.
Claire
My Reply!
Claire,
Firstly,
Thank you to you and your father for contacting me........ Last week I felt that if I could just satisfy myself that your dad was on the mend, I would be the happiest man alive. That then would conclude what was a very unfortunate incident which occurred in all our lives.
Now I know that your dad is aware of what happened on 3rd January and he is making a recovery makes me even happier and to have spoken with you both put me on cloud nine. It was my absolute pleasure to have done what I did that day. I wouldn't have changed a thing and I finally feel that the training I have received during the past thirty-five years has paid off. In an exciting way, it was strange to hear your dads voice. The last time I spoke to him he was lying motionless underneath my arms and there was nothing coming back from him. Thankfully he must have heard me when I told him to 'hang on in there'. Please, please, keep in touch and keep me updated with your dads progress. This time it’s YOU who has made my day to read your email me.
Please pass my regards to your dad and send him my best wishes. He’s a bloody strong man and one that's going to be with us for a very long time.
Thanks once again.