Golfer's Heart Stops; Air Ambulance Saves Life

A golfer's life was dramatically saved last July when his heart stopped beating for two minutes on the course. Andy Wilkins, 62, was playing at Cleethorpes Golf Club when he suffered a cardiac arrest. His friends immediately called for emergency services, and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance responded swiftly.

Wilkins credits the air ambulance crew with being pivotal in his survival. He recalls experiencing overwhelming chest pain, described as an elephant sitting on his chest, moments before slumping down. While CPR and a defibrillator were administered, the rapid response and transport provided by the air ambulance were deemed essential.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Wilkins underwent a procedure to insert a stent and spent time in intensive care. Doctors later informed him that his heart was functioning at only about 35% of its capacity due to the event. He emphasized that road transport would likely not have been sufficient given the critical nature of his condition.