A new initiative aimed at supporting people impacted by cardiac arrest on the Isle of Wight is set to strengthen the help available to survivors, co-survivors and bystanders, thanks to national funding and the work of Isle of Wight Ambulance Service staff.
The Small Island, Big Heart project is managed by Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and builds on existing efforts to improve survival rates across the Isle of Wight. This includes increasing access to CPR training and Public Access Defibrillators in the community, alongside further development of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Life After Cardiac Arrest network, known as LACA.
LACA has supported people locally for several years by connecting those who want to share their experiences with others who have been through similar events. The Small Island, Big Heart project aims to expand the network and raise awareness, offering hope and reassurance to those who need it most.
For Guy Churchill, the day of his cardiac arrest began as a normal morning. He had left home to take part in Parkrun at Appley Park when he collapsed around 1km into his run. Nearby runners immediately began CPR while another fetched a defibrillator. Guy was shocked twice before being taken by ambulance and hovercraft to Portsmouth for further treatment.
Guy remembers nothing from saying goodbye to his wife that morning until 48 hours after his cardiac arrest.
Guy Churchill has said:
“I was lucky to stay in touch with a fellow patient who had the same surgery on the same day.
“We have been able to compare aches and pains and any symptoms we have experienced. Around three months after leaving hospital, Louise from LACA contacted us to not only check in on how I was doing but ask whether my wife would like some support too.
Article continues below this advertisement “It was nice to have a caring voice asking if we were ok and I feel that this contact has been very beneficial, as without it, we would have felt very alone.”
Louise Walker, Head of Education and Community Response at Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, has said:
“Having the privilege of working with cardiac arrest survivors is something I am incredibly grateful for.
“You know we are making a real difference when you have survivors and their loved ones saying how important it was for them to have access to this group. To anyone going through this, please remember there is support out there and you are not alone.”
Another couple who understand the value of the LACA group are Gwen and her now-husband Bob. Valentine’s Day marks 3 years since Bob collapsed at home and Gwen began CPR. Thanks to her quick actions and the emergency teams who cared for him, Bob survived.
After 25 years together, Bob later proposed and the couple were married 3 months later.
Gwen has said:
“It’s hard for people to understand that you watched your loved one die, but the LACA group showed me that I wasn’t alone.
“Family and friends were incredibly supportive and caring, but they didn’t get it like those in the group do. As co-survivors, we need information to make sense of what happened too and help separate the emotion from the facts. We still have tears and low moments because the shock never leaves you, but I really believe it’s important to seek out others who have also lived through the same experience.”
