Cardiac arrest survivor thanks co-response scheme that saved her life

Jade Giblin, 34, from Colchester, says she owes her life to two community wellbeing officers on a year-long pilot scheme between the two emergency services.

Jade met the community wellbeing officers, Keaton Eccles, 31, and Oliver Ingrouille, 21, at an event her cardiac arrest inspired at the Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

EEAST, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police partnered with the Lion Walk Shopping Centre to teach CPR and how to use a defibrillator for Restart a Heart Day on Wednesday 16 October.

More than 200 members of the public were trained in how to perform lifesaving skills at the event which was a resounding success.

Jade suffered her cardiac arrest while walking in the Lion Walk on Monday 15 April, collapsing to the ground with no warning.

The 999 call was immediately prioritised as a category 1 and Keaton Eccles and Oliver Ingrouille dispatched as the closest resource.

The call initially came into Keaton and Oliver as a patient suffering with convulsions – but they sensed it was the most time-critical of emergencies.

Reaching the scene within six minutes the pair found Lion Walk facilities worker Stuart Moore performing CPR on Jade and took over the life-saving efforts.

They were soon backed up by an EEAST ambulance, rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer vehicle and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Thankfully, the early CPR that Jade received meant that the team were able to restart her heart, stabilise her and transport her to Basildon Hospital.

Jade was diagnosed with CPVT (Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia), a serious heart condition that often leads to sudden death in young people, and has made a good recovery.

Community Wellbeing Officers respond to category 1 calls and falls in homes, when they can also carry out safety checks at the property at the same time.

EEAST is currently also collaborating on Community Wellbeing Officers with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Jade Giblin, 34, said:

“Without Keaton and Ollie and the Community Wellbeing Officer pilot scheme I would have 100% died on that day.

“My son wouldn't have his mum anymore and my family would have very different lives right now. I am alive and healthy because of Keaton and Ollie’s fast actions and now have a diagnosis of CPVT (Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia).

“This means for the rest of my life I am safer. It is a condition that unfortunately takes more young people's lives than it should; statistically I shouldn't be here. My family and myself will be forever grateful for Keaton and Ollie.”

Keaton Eccles and Oliver Ingrouille said:

"It’s a very surreal feeling meeting Jade again. Talking her through the events of that day and reliving them. Jade’s survival is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning lifesaving skills. We are both so grateful to have been a part of her journey and wish her and her family the very best".

Tom Barker, head of co-response at EEAST, said:

“The swift actions of Keaton and Oliver helped save Jade’s life and exemplifies the difference this collaboration with Essex Fire and Rescue Services is making.

“Community Wellbeing Officers help us respond quicker to most time-critical calls as was the case with Jade. They also reduce waiting times for patients who had suffered falls in their home and perform a safety check at the same time.

“We hope that we will be able to continue this collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Service after the pilot has finished.”

Martin Leatherdale, centre manager at The Lion Walk Shopping Centre, said:

“It was incredible to see Jade again laughing and joking with such a zest for life.

“The stars were aligned for Jade on that day and this prompted us to host this event in the Lion Walk.

“The more people who learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator the safer everyone will be and the event was an incredible success which we plan to make a regular fixture in our calendar.”