I am an experienced 999 call supervisor at the prestigious London Ambulance Service, responsible for instructing numerous individuals on how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) over the telephone. Little did I anticipate that one day I would have to utilize these same life-saving skills on my own family.
In the midst of a deep slumber following a night shift, my mother’s piercing screams abruptly jolted me awake. My father, Eddie, had collapsed and remained unresponsive. Struggling for breath, he emitted peculiar sounds as if the air was forcefully escaping his body. Although I had never witnessed a cardiac arrest firsthand, an instinctual understanding coursed through me, forewarning that he was teetering on the precipice of ceasing to breathe.
As a 999 call supervisor, I habitually visualize the situation at hand whenever I receive a distress call, attempting to comprehend the unfolding events. That particular morning was surreal; the scenario that usually resides in my thoughts became my own. Upon contacting the emergency services, I recognized the voice of the call handler from work. It was then that the gravity of the situation truly sank in. In the midst of my mother’s frantic cries and my sister’s horrified screams, my father lay motionless, devoid of breath. Cold to the touch, his countenance turned an ominous shade. I knew he had slipped away from us.
Although call handlers receive comprehensive training in administering CPR, the actual execution proved to be far more arduous than I had anticipated. No amount of practice can fully prepare one for the emotional weight that accompanies a real-life situation. The responsibility felt immense, particularly due to my line of work. I was acutely aware of the stakes involved and the potential outcomes. Regrettably, fewer than one in ten individuals who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive.
I tirelessly performed chest compressions for a grueling 13 minutes before the arrival of the first responder, Beth. Time seemed to stretch infinitely. At one point, my arms grew weak, and I implored my mother to take over. However, it became evident that her compressions were less effective. I instructed her to step aside, resuming the task myself.
In that fleeting moment when Beth and I locked eyes upon her arrival, a profound understanding passed between us. We both comprehended the harsh reality of the situation. I swiftly tore open my father’s shirt as Beth prepared to utilize the defibrillator.
Occasionally, callers express doubts regarding the effectiveness of our instructions. It deeply frustrates me, as I have personally witnessed the effectiveness of these techniques.
The initial attempt did not yield the desired outcome, but the second shock proved to be efficacious. Gradually, my father’s breathing resumed, and within seconds, he regained the ability to speak. It was at this precise moment that I, too, felt compelled to take a deep breath. Hastily, I rushed to the window, sticking my head out. The sensation within me resembled a blazing ball of fire in my abdomen.
Beth commended my chest compressions, describing them as outstanding. Yet, I firmly believe it was her intervention that rekindled my father’s breath. For that, I will be forever grateful. Within a week, he was discharged from the hospital, completely restored to health.
Upon returning to work, I experienced a sense of trepidation when faced with the prospect of guiding someone through CPR once again. The first time I received a call regarding a cardiac arrest after my father’s incident, it affected me on a deeply personal level. Flashbacks of my father’s plight flooded my mind, leaving me unsettled as I empathized with the callers’ emotions. Previously, I had only been able to conjecture their feelings, but now, I truly understood.
Since then, I have managed to handle such calls with composure. In fact, I have developed an intuition that alerts me when something is amiss. On one occasion, I received a call from an individual who had fallen and lost consciousness. The lady’s words did not align with the typical indicators that would prompt me to provide CPR instructions. Yet, a similar uneasiness reminiscent of my father’s situation washed over me. I urged her to reiterate the details of the incident, and through her description, I deduced that the patient was indeed in cardiac arrest.
Occasionally, callers exhibit apprehension or skepticism towards our instructions. It pains me, knowing firsthand the efficacy of our guidance. Alas, I cannot disclose my personal experiences to the callers, but I hope that by raising awareness, I can instill courage in individuals who may one day require our assistance. Offering reassurance and support during CPR procedures now holds a more profound meaning for me. Knowing the impact of those words, I am able to deliver them with sincerity and compassion.
Estelle Williams, an esteemed 999 call supervisor at the London Ambulance Service.
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