Cardiac arrest survivor reunites with 999 team

Gary Gwillim (centre) his wife Liz (left) and daughter Constance (right) met the crew that helped to save his life in February 2024

A man who stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest has reunited with the ambulance staff who helped to save his life.

Gary Gwillim, 54, from Selly Oak in Birmingham was at home with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Constance, when he fell ill on 25 February 2024.

They were assisted by West Midlands Ambulance Service call assessor, Sharon Beddow, who gave them CPR guidance.

Once crews arrived, Mr Gwillim had 13 defibrillator shocks in total, and was taken to hospital where it was confirmed he had suffered a heart attack prior to his cardiac arrest.

He had two stents fitted and was placed on life support for five weeks in critical care, but is now back to exercising and working full time.

The family met the ambulance staff involved at Hollymoor Ambulance Hub.

"I've worked for the service for 22 years and I've never met a patient before, so meeting the family has been a privilege and honour," said Ms Beddow, the call handler.

Charles Lawler, one of the first paramedics to arrive on-scene, said meeting the family was "heart-warming", and added: "This is an excellent example of why early CPR is so important, and they should be very proud of helping to save Gary's life."

Mr Gwillim said his heart was recovering well, and he should not have any long-lasting physical effects.

"I don't remember anything of the actual event itself but seeing them all has made me realise how lucky I am," he said.

"Because of my wife and daughter's quick actions, the amazing call assessor and the team of ambulance staff who came out that day as well as the team at hospital, I'm here today and got to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday and another family Christmas.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."