After the miracle…

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month - so I wanted to share the stories of six amazing survivors whose portraits I took, showcasing the items that reflect the amazing second chances they’ve had since beating the odds and surviving cardiac arrest. You can see their portraits below.

I took the photos as part of my research for How to Save a Life which was itself inspired by my experience of giving CPR to my partner. This is the perfect time to discover how quick and simple it is for you to learn CPR, with options for online or face-to-face.

Plus you can read the stories below and do visit the SCA UK Facebook page to discover even more inspiring examples of survival!

Charlie

‘Oscar’s drawing represents my family, including my granddaughter Tallulah. To be here watching one growing up and another born is literally the most miraculous thing about surviving.’

Helen

‘My necklace signifies that I will continue living and growing for years to come. It was bought by my husband after my cardiac arrest. The heart shape reminds me of what happened in a good way, how far I have come and how much I am loved.’

Ann

The bracelet she’s holding was a gift from her two grandsons. ‘Five years on I feel good in myself, mentally and emotionally. A day at a time, I don't look too far ahead, and that's quite sufficient for me.’

Charlotte

‘I have placed 13 defibrillators with my husband in our local area. We are now “heartsafe” meaning we have a defibrillator every 700 metres in my town. So the defibrillator signifies our achievement in saving other potential lives for many years to come.’

Chris

‘The mug was a present from my granddaughters just after my 50th, so it’s very special for that reason. I should not have been here for my 50th, but here I am. You hear about people not wanting to reach 50, but in my case, I was over the moon.’

Willem

‘The wooden cutting board was a gift from my son and it’s my reminder of what I could have missed had I not survived my arrest. Seeing my son grow up and having the time to spend with him is priceless.’

How to Save a Life on BBC Woman's Hour

Since How to Save a Life was published, I’ve been on a real mission to spread the word about learning CPR – it was a privilege to talk to Emma Barnett on Woman’s Hour – she’s a brilliant interviewer and I would love to share the link with you – you can listen anywhere in the world:

Learn How to Save a Life, wherever you live

I know how to save a life – you can learn too

In 2013 my partner’s heart stopped, and I had to do CPR. His chance of survival was under 10% but he was one of the lucky ones.

Our experiences inspired me to write How to Save a Life – and they’ve also made me passionate about the importance of learning CPR. So you’re in the right place if you want to learn the basics…

Play this interactive game to learn the basics:

Even in non-pandemic times, it can be tricky to find courses available at short notice. It’s still best to learn first aid face-to-face if possible, but this video really does make you feel more confident in some of the decisions any of us could face if someone has a medical emergency.

Lifesaver is an interactive game developed by Resuscitation Council UK - I’ve recommended it to everyone I know as a brilliant start in understanding CPR and the Chain of Survival which can increase the chances of cardiac arrest patients.  

Discover hands-only CPR

This short video gives an update on the safest approach to CPR during the current pandemic.

Find courses in your country or region:

These links either take you to national societies or government advice on first aid training OR the local resuscitation council for your area. You can also learn about the annual Restart a Heart day, which happens every October worldwide.

USA

Buy How to Save a Life on Amazon

Canada

UK

Australia

New Zealand

Germany

 Italy

Other European countries

Asian Resuscitation Council

Southern Africa Resuscitation Council