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Runner owes life to stranger's quick CPR
8 May
Summary
- A passer-by performed CPR on a runner who suffered cardiac arrest.
- The runner is recovering in hospital with his partner by his side.
- The quick-thinking stranger had recently completed a first aid refresher course.
A runner in Sprowston, near Norwich, owes his life to the swift actions of a stranger who performed CPR after he collapsed during a run. Ryan Johns, 32, was only 400 meters into his usual exercise when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Simon Gooch, driving to work, noticed Johns leaning against a fence and then collapsing. Gooch immediately stopped, flagged down other motorists, and commenced CPR. He continued the life-saving procedure for ten minutes until an ambulance crew arrived and were able to resuscitate Johns.
Johns, who is recovering at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with his pregnant partner, Dora Telek, by his side, expressed immense gratitude. Telek also hailed Gooch as a hero, emphasizing that his rapid intervention prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Johns anticipates shaking his rescuer's hand upon his release from the hospital.
Gooch, who runs a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Norwich and had recently completed a first aid refresher course, humbly stated he did not consider himself a hero, merely hoping for similar help for his own family. He encouraged others to be curious and offer assistance if they see someone in distress, stressing the importance of caring for one another.
