Mum's instinct saves son from cardiac arrest

An 18-year-old named Hayden narrowly escaped a fatal cardiac arrest thanks to his mother Stacey's quick actions.

Stacey felt something was wrong as she was about to leave for work, prompting her to check on Hayden. She discovered him making unusual snoring sounds in his bedroom, which paramedics later identified as agonal breathing, a critical sign of cardiac arrest.

Paramedics raced to the scene and immediately began chest compressions. They administered five defibrillator shocks, ultimately restarting Hayden's heart. An anaesthetic bundle was also given to aid his recovery and protect his brain.

Hayden was admitted to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate on January 22, 2026, and spent three weeks recovering before being discharged. Subsequent tests revealed he has a congenital heart condition, leading his family to undergo screening.

Months later, Hayden and his family met the medical team who saved his life. He is now recovering well and has resumed his active lifestyle. Paramedic Lauren described the reunion as special and highlighted the importance of early intervention and teamwork.

In the UK, approximately 12 individuals under 35 die weekly from sudden cardiac arrest. Stacey and Hayden's sister, Sydney, have since completed CPR training.