Every year, thousands of people in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital. The statistics are sobering: fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival reduces by up to 10%.
That’s why Restart a Heart Day on 16th October is so important – raising awareness of the power of CPR and community defibrillators to save lives.
Ian’s Story
For 76-year-old Medstead resident Ian Jurd, that statistic could have been reality. In September 2024, Ian collapsed while playing badminton at his local village hall. His wife Jackie walked in to find him “blue and lifeless”, as their friend Dave immediately began CPR. Others quickly fetched the defibrillator located at the hall while emergency services were called.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance landed just 100 metres away, joining ambulance crews in the fight to save Ian. He was shocked six times with a defibrillator and placed in an induced coma for five days before later receiving stents and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Looking back, Ian reflects:
“I look at myself in the mirror sometimes and I can’t believe I’m still here. I’m so grateful for everything that was done for me – especially the CPR. Jackie and I feel so lucky. We’ve got a lovely family – with three children and five wonderful grandchildren. To be here for them is just a miracle.”
Building a Heart-Safe Community in Medstead
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of St Andrew’s Church, Medstead now has an additional defibrillator outside the Church Hall, opposite the Castle of Comfort pub. This means there are now devices on both sides of the village, giving residents quicker access in an emergency.
To complement this, several CPR and defibrillator training sessions are being organised with support from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Alton Cardiac Rehab, and local experts. These sessions will give people the confidence to act if faced with a cardiac emergency.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Aftercare Lead, Tom Nickisson-Richards, explains:
“Outcomes like Ian’s are only possible thanks to early CPR and defibrillation – whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague or stranger, learning and performing CPR could be the difference between life and death.”
Take Action – You Could Save a Life
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Having the skills and confidence to step forward and perform CPR could mean the difference between life and death for someone you love – or even a complete stranger.
Your chance to be able to save a life:
Here are the details for the training in CPR and Defibrillator familiarisation:
Saturday 8 November 14.00 St Andrew’s Church Hall, Medstead
Wednesday 12 November 12.30-14.00 Alton Assembly Rooms
Wednesday 19 November 10.30-12.30 Alton Assembly Rooms
Saturday 22 November 10.30 The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Marks