A retired Dorset teacher went back to thank the crew who restarted his heart

Jason, a retired teacher in Dorset, survived a cardiac arrest at home thanks to a chain of quick hands: his wife started CPR, and the South Western Ambulance Service crew took over when they arrived. This week he did something ambulance crews rarely get to see — he walked back in, well, to thank them in person. 'To say thank you in person was something really special. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here today,' he said. His recovery has been remarkable: his heart function is improving, he no longer has heart failure, and he is back to the cycling and artwork he loves, with a trip to Japan planned. Emergency Care Assistant Martin Summers called the reunion 'incredibly uplifting.' The service points out that more than 75% of cardiac arrests happen at home — which means the person most likely to save your life is someone who loves you, and a few minutes learning CPR is all it takes to be ready.