Paramedic Gordon arrived shortly after when Simon’s condition deteriorated, and he went into cardiac arrest. Gordon worked with Claudine instructing her to give CPR whilst he set up the defibrillator and ventilation.

Thankfully after being shocked, Simon regained a regular heart rhythm and consciousness and was taken to Broadgreen Hospital where he has an internal defibrillator fitted. Gordon and Claudine’s actions had saved his life.

Simon talks about the impact Gordon, his wife and the rest of his colleagues have had on his life: “I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to Gordon. Some people may say he was just doing his job, but as an ex-emergency worker myself, it was good to hear of his 10o percent professionalism despite being at the end of his shift, which was very much appreciated.

“I want to also thank the rest of the team including the ambulance crew, including Paramedic Ronald Brookfield, who took me to hospital on that day, as well as the call handler who calmly dealt with my wife on the phone, giving her advice and reassurance.

“My wife has no formal medical training apart from a one-day first aid course a few years ago. She gave me effective CPR whilst also trying to calm down and reassure our 14-year-old daughter who was upset and distressed at what was unfolding in front of her. Thank you so much.”

Simon’s story is just one way we are highlighting the impact our paramedics, ambulance crews and emergency call handlers have on people’s lives in the lead-up to #InternationalParamedicsDay on 8 July.

Simon is very keen to help us share the message that knowing CPR is a skill we all should have, he is living proof that early intervention saves lives. Learn how to with our very simple video.