Bournemouth man reunited with ambulance crew who saved his life
Ken Surtees suffered a cardiac arrest near his home in October 2024
A Bournemouth man who suffered a cardiac arrest has reunited with the ambulance crew who saved his life.
Ken Surtees, 64, collapsed near his home on 31st October 2024 after experiencing severe chest pain. Recognising that something was seriously wrong, Ken called 999.
An ambulance crew from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) arrived within minutes and began emergency care. As Ken was being taken to the ambulance, he went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics performed CPR and delivered eight defibrillator shocks, while transporting him to Royal Bournemouth Hospital at speed.
Ken spent five weeks in the Intensive Care Unit and another two weeks in hospital before being discharged on 22nd December 2024.
Ken recently reunited with the crew at Christchurch Ambulance Station on 27th November 2024. He met Rebecca Wells, Student Paramedic, Karen Bostock, Paramedic, Slavka Gregova, Paramedic, and Kevin Myall, Emergency Care Assistant.
“I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet Rebecca, Karen, Slavka, and Kevin in person and thank them properly,” said Ken. “It was really special – and without a doubt, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today."
Ken shared that his recovery journey has been steady but challenging. After rehabilitation, he began to ease back into his normal routine around two months after returning home. Despite ongoing health challenges, Ken is looking ahead with optimism and has even managed to return to work part-time.
Karen Bostock, one of the paramedics who treated Ken, said, “Reuniting with Ken was incredibly special. As paramedics, we rarely get to see the people we’ve helped once they’re back on their feet, so witnessing his recovery means the world. It’s an honour to see him again and to know we played a part in his journey.”
Ken is now preparing for a trip to Bali, embracing hope for the future after his lifesaving experience.