Woman, 71, reunited with life-saving ambulance crew

A 71-year-old woman has been reunited with the ambulance crew members who helped save her life following a cardiac arrest at her home last year.

Susan Rousell, from Highcliffe, Christchurch, began experiencing symptoms on 11 November 2025 and called 999 when she realised something was wrong.

She went into cardiac arrest after ambulance crews arrived and clinicians immediately began delivering vital emergency treatment, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator, before she was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Now recovering well, Rousell and her family had the opportunity to reunite with the crew at Christchurch Ambulance Station to say thank you.

She remained in hospital for five days, during which she had two stents fitted.

She received a third stent at the end of February as part of her ongoing cardiac care.

Last month she met South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) paramedics Kevin Cooke and Jonathan Nicholson, alongside emergency ambulance associates Sharon Chaytor and Alexander Rose.

"Being able to come along with my family to say thank you for everything they did for me that day has been incredibly special," Rousell said.

"My recovery is going well, and I am getting back to normal.

"I would say never ignore any unexplained or new symptoms, as I have been told on numerous occasions by many health professionals that I am very lucky to be alive."

Sharon Chaytor, emergency ambulance associate at SWASFT, said: "Being reunited with Susan and her family was incredibly special.

"Seeing her smiling and recovering after such a frightening cardiac arrest reminds us exactly why we do this job.

"Being able to meet past patients again and see them thriving makes our roles as paramedics so meaningful.

"I wish Susan and her family all the best for the future."