Man reunites with paramedic after parkrun collapse

Graeme Martin (centre) was reunited with Chris Treves (second from right) at a CPR training event for parkrun volunteers

A man who collapsed during his local parkrun has been reunited with a paramedic who helped save his life.

Graeme Martin was taking part in a Gillingham parkrun at Great Lines Park in December when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Off-duty Medway paramedic Chris Treves, who was running with his dog, came to his aid.

The pair were reunited at a cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training event held by South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) for parkrun volunteers in Medway.

Mr Martin said: "I owe Chris and the team a huge thank you for ultimately saving my life. I wouldn’t be here today without them.”

The collapse happened a short while into the race, while Mr Martin was separated from his partner, Lori, Secamb said.

Mr Treves said his dog, Clara, had been having a "nervous" day so he was running slower than normal.

A short distance in, he came across Mr Martin lying on the ground, with other runners surrounding him, including two off-duty nurses.

He said: "I quickly got onto the ground to check his pulse and breathing.

"I then confirmed with the other passers-by that Graeme had no pulse and was not breathing.”

'Difficult situation'

He started CPR as nearby runners called 999 and helped Chris while they waited for an ambulance.

The parkrun was halted and organisers located a defibrillator which enabled Mr Treves to administer a shock to Mr Martin.

After ambulance crews arrived, Secamb said its team secured a pulse and Mr Martin was airlifted to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Mr Martin's partner, Lori, was transported by police escort to the hospital.

She said: "It was the quickest drive I’ve ever had but I was pleased to be there for Graeme’s arrival."

Great Lines parkrun organisers Dan and Gary Gower-Smith thanked all those who helped during "a very difficult situation" and described the emergency services response as "world class".

They said: "Every action contributed to saving Graeme’s life that morning."