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Cardiac Arrest Survivor Reunites with Life-Saving Crew
2 Apr
Summary
- Man reunited with ambulance crew who saved his life.
- Colleagues praised for CPR and forming human chain.
- Paramedics credit early intervention for successful outcome.
A man who suffered a cardiac arrest has emotionally reunited with the ambulance crew and colleagues who played vital roles in saving his life. Neal MacGillivray, 59, collapsed at his workplace in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, in June 2025 when his heart stopped. His colleagues were commended for their immediate CPR and for forming a human chain to guide paramedics to his location. This quick thinking allowed for advanced care to begin promptly. MacGillivray visited the Stoke ambulance hub to personally thank paramedics Tom Breeze and Sarah Tams, and technician Jess Bradley. He stated it was "truly amazing" to see them again. The West Midlands Ambulance Service emphasized that the combined efforts of MacGillivray's colleagues, the ambulance crew, and the Midlands Air Ambulance were instrumental in ensuring he received timely, life-saving treatment. Paramedic Tom Breeze noted the critical importance of the initial CPR, the rapid use of a defibrillator, and the prompt 999 call in achieving a positive outcome. The service highlighted this incident as a powerful example of how early intervention significantly boosts survival chances.
