Patient raises funds for Restart a Heart training to thank life-saving ambulance crew

Mum-of-two Karen Jenner has embarked on a fundraising mission to thank the ambulance team for saving her life when she had a cardiac arrest just after they arrived at her home.

Karen had been complaining of what she thought was indigestion, a tightness across her chest and right shoulder pain when she decided to phone 111. An ambulance was then dispatched to her home in Farnley, Leeds.

Two Yorkshire Ambulance Service crews and a critical care paramedic were dispatched and their initial checks revealed that the 63-year-old was having a heart attack. Karen then had a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated by the team who used CPR and a defibrillator.

Karen said: “I was down for two minutes while they resuscitated me; and I remember coming round and hearing them say they were taking me to Leeds General Infirmary where I had a stent fitted.

“After 24 hours in hospital, I had a lovely visit from one of the ambulance crews who saved my life; they had come to see how I was getting on, it was so nice to see them – I can’t thank them enough for what they did that night.”

Paramedic Mitch McGarrity and Assistant Ambulance Practitioner Joe Yates were first on scene at the incident on 21 December 2023, and were supported by Paramedics Lewis Walker, Aaqeel Mahboob and Chris Smart.

Mitch, based at Seacroft Ambulance Station, said: "After our initial assessment, we had noted on Karen’s ECG that she was likely suffering from a myocardial infarction or ‘heart attack’. Karen’s heart then went into a dangerous heart rhythm that, without the quick deployment of CPR and more importantly the use of a defibrillator, would have almost certainly resulted in her death.

“Performing CPR and using a defibrillator is not only vital but also incredibly simple. Learning how to perform/use these skills could one day save the life of a friend or loved one.

“It is difficult to describe how happy we all are to hear that Karen is doing so well and hope this continues for many years to come!"

As a thank-you Karen has helped to raise £2,500 for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity by organising a Just Giving Dry January, boosted by the proceeds of a golf day at Oulton Hall in Leeds organised by Karen’s employer, Leeds-based NIVO Limited.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity supports the purchase of equipment and materials for Restart a Heart Day which means Yorkshire Ambulance Service can provide the life-saving CPR lesson to 35,000 students for free as all the trainers volunteer their time.

Karen, who has made a full recovery, added: “I’m delighted to be able to help raise funds for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity which supports CPR training on Restart a Heart Day; it’s a skill that anyone can learn and played a vital part in saving my life.”

Donations to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/yasrestart