A Norwich woman who survived a cardiac arrest to make a full recovery, has met up with the multi-agency blue-lights team that saved her life

In September last year PC Sam Hales was sent to investigate when Marion Lynes’ smart watch sent alerted emergency services that she had fallen near her home in Taverham.

Marion was taken home, but when PC Hales noted she was still short of breath, he called for an ambulance, which arrived shortly after.

While the ambulance crew were assessing Marion she went into peri-arrest in the hallway of her home.

The ambulance crew immediately gave CPR, with PC Hale taking turns at chest compressions to allow the crew to put an airway in place and make observations.?

More help arrived soon with two emergency doctors from East Anglian Air Ambulance, who were able to administer drugs at the scene.

At hospital it was established Marion had experienced a heart block and required a defibrillator to be installed.

Marion was soon home though, and made a full recovery. She recently visited Longwater station where she met PC Hales, the ambulance crew and representives of the air ambulance.

PC Hayles said: “I have given CPR before, but sadly unsuccessfully. I know that CPR is rarely successful, so that’s why it’s lovely to see Marion here and well today.”

Marion said she lost consciousness in her hallway and had no recollection until she woke in hospital more than 24 hours later: “It was touch and go. They told me that I was a very lucky lady, I can’t thank everyone enough, how can you thank people who have literally saved your life?”

Gary Ball, Leading Operations Manager at Longwater said: “This is a great example of how multi-agency working can give patients the best possible chance of survival.

“A police officer was first on the scene and recognised that Marion was unwell.“

He escalated the incident appropriately, and – importantly, was able to help provide instant CPR as soon as she started going into arrest.? Good CPR was followed by prompt care by Helimed doctors and then hospital care.

“Every link the in chain of survival was there for Marion and the result is that she is alive and fully recovered.”