A heartwarming reunion took place recently as Matt Jones, 55, from Cheltenham, met the emergency crews responsible for saving his life. Matt experienced a sudden cardiac arrest at home on August 27, 2023. Thanks to the swift actions of his wife Claire, a trained nurse, and a dedicated team of ambulance and air ambulance personnel, Matt not only survived but made a full recovery.
When Matt collapsed, Claire immediately called 999 and began life-saving CPR. The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) quickly responded. Critical Care Doctor Tim Godfrey, along with Specialist Paramedics Matthew Robinson and Mark Kinsella, arrived by helicopter. They placed Matt into a protective coma and escorted him to Cheltenham General Hospital, where he received three stents and recovered without complications.
This month’s reunion at GWAAC’s Almondsbury airbase in South Gloucestershire was an emotional and meaningful event. Matt expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “Meeting the crew face-to-face was truly special – it felt like the final piece in my survival journey. My family and I will be forever thankful. This experience has motivated me to emphasize how crucial it is to learn CPR and know how to find a defibrillator nearby.”
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Dr Tim Godfrey highlighted the power of teamwork and bystander intervention: “Matt’s wife Claire was the first, and often the most important, member of the team. Early CPR and prompt defibrillation save lives. We encourage everyone to learn these vital skills—it could make all the difference for someone you love.”
Inspired by his recovery, Matt has launched a podcast called Push To Start, supporting cardiac arrest survivors and sharing his story. He has also completed a novel and volunteers with GWAAC, teaching CPR in schools and communities.
More than 75% of cardiac arrests occur at home, making rapid response critical. Every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by 10%, underscoring the importance of knowing these lifesaving skills. Learning CPR helps you be ready to save the life of someone close to you.