My name is Kevin Ball, I am 65 years old and on Saturday the 6 of December 2014 whilst out cycling with friends, I went into cardiac arrest.

My fellow cyclists had no or little knowledge of how to give effective CPR but fortunately, a bystander saw a local police officer nearby and alerted him and he then began CPR within minutes. I have since learnt that between this officer and a local CFR, their efforts of CPR and early defibrillation, my pulse was returned.

Paramedics and HEMS were in attendance and assisted with my care, I was placed in an induced coma and then transported to Lister Hospital intensive care. I was in a coma for five days and later moved to another ward before being transferred to the Royal Brompton to have an ICD fitted. Tests revealed that I did not suffer from a heart attack nor were any conditions identified that could have caused the cardiac arrest.

As time has gone by, I have been able to find out more about how the emergency services work together to save the lives of those who suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. I have since had the pleasure of meeting some of those involved on the day who were all a part of my story, and I would like to highlight and thank the East of England Ambulance Service, the local CFR and Essex Police for their care on this day. The events of the day have highlighted to me that if more people knew CPR and could recognise those in cardiac arrest, then action could be taken immediately before?any emergency services arrive.

As a result of my cardiac arrest, my daughter chose to become a paramedic for the East of England Ambulance Service, and this fills me with immense pride.

Since having my cardiac arrest and having my ICD fitted, I have been able to live a normal life including being able to return to cycling and going to the gym with no lasting effects. I attend a yearly pacing appointment at the Brompton with consultant reviews. I have a device at home linked to my ICD, which records all my heart activity, giving me the confidence and reassurance that I can continue with all that I do.