A retired teacher from Wimborne has been reunited with the ambulance crew who helped save his life after a cardiac arrest at home last year.
Jason Pizzey, aged 60, collapsed in the early hours of 31 August 2024. His wife Sarah was woken by unusual noises and found Jason unconscious. She immediately called 999 and began CPR under guidance from a call handler.
Paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust arrived shortly afterwards and delivered two defibrillator shocks before taking Jason to Bournemouth Royal Hospital.
He was placed in an induced coma for 36 hours and later fitted with a pacemaker and defibrillator before returning home.
Earlier this month, Jason visited Poole Ambulance Station to personally thank the crew members who responded, including paramedics and emergency care assistants.
Jason said it was “really special” to thank the team in person and credited his wife’s quick actions and the ambulance staff with saving his life. He said his heart function has improved and he no longer has heart failure.
He has since returned to cycling and art, and is planning a trip to Japan later this year.
More than three-quarters of cardiac arrests happen at home. Performing CPR quickly can double the chances of survival.