Paramedic reunited with man whose life she saved 25 years ago - live on national TV

Salena Alcock was invited onto ITV’s Good Morning Britain to meet Richard Jacobs, who she saved after a cardiac arrest in 1999.

Richard, 81, has written to thank Salena every year since his life was saved in Bury St Edmunds - and they finally met for the first time this morning – 25 years to the day of the event. (28 November).

The pair were interviewed by presenters Ed Balls and Ranvir Singh, where Richard thanked Salena, her colleagues, and West Suffolk Hospital.

The grandfather of seven said: “How do you say thank you to someone for saving your life? That was my problem, and it’s a clumsy attempt to do that. I am so grateful, and I don’t know how to express that gratitude. Other than every year to remind her she is important, as are all her colleagues.

“She’s given me 25 years, so far, that I wouldn’t have had. I treat today as a second birthday, because it’s a bit like that. She saved my life, she and her colleague, and West Suffolk Hospital.

“I don’t know how to say thank you, not properly. You, your dedication, your professionalism, your caring and all your colleagues and all the people at West Suffolk Hospital who worked so hard for me. You gave me another 25 years at least, and I’m planning on going some more.”

Richard was at home watching rugby when he began experiencing chest pains. His wife called 999 but he went into cardiac arrest in the ambulance.

Salena managed to restart his heart and Richard has remembered that moment ever since.

He said: “I can remember the very first time my eyes opened after. I was lying down, and Salena must have had her hands either side of my head looking over me. I remember looking up at her face and seeing this ringlet of hair and I can still see that picture right now, as clear as day.

“We’re all too ready to kick the NHS, but they do a fantastic job. Saying thank you isn’t enough. It doesn’t quite say what you want it to.”

Salena, a paramedic with EEAST for 30 years, explained how much Richard’s annual letters and emails mean to her.

She said: “I am overwhelmed. To know that I’ve had such an impact on Richard’s life, makes it worthwhile, all my training. All the years I’ve spent in the ambulance service.

“I don’t think you realise how important those letters are. They give me a real emotional lift every year, they mean a lot.

“We are one big family, whether you work at the hospital, GP surgeries or ambulance service, that comes together when we need to.”

Richard has since spent 18 years volunteering for the Samaritans charity, an achievement that has had a huge effect on his life, and one he says is down to Salena, her colleagues, West Suffolk Hospital and the NHS.

Kerrie Bailey, leading operations manager, is Salena’s line manager.

She said: “We all hold Salena in the highest regard. She has been an unwavering source of strength and assistance for the people of West Suffolk, and it is only fitting that she receives this special recognition.”