Kent cyclist reunites with lifesaving strangers and ambulance crew after cardiac arrest
Craig suffered from a heart attack while cycling, but was saved by the quick thinking of passing bystanders
Last updated 20th Apr 2026
Nine months after a sudden cardiac arrest, Kent cyclist Craig Ormiston, 57, has reunified with the strangers and ambulance crew who helped save his life.
The incident unfolded on the morning of 21st June 2025, as Craig cycled towards Brands Hatch from the West Malling area.
Friends Emma and Richard, driving to an event at Brands Hatch, noticed Craig lying beside his bike in a secluded area.
Initially concerned he might have fallen, they quickly realised he was in cardiac arrest, showing signs of agonal breathing—an abnormal gasping breath often associated with such medical emergencies.
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Emma and Richard, equipped with first aid experience, promptly called 999 at and began administering CPR.
Their quick actions were crucial as each minute without CPR diminishes survival chances by about 10 percent.
Recounting the incident Craig said: "The whole thing is a shock because you know I was a generally a very very fit person.
"At that point I was feeling pretty much like Superman, I was trying to keep myself as fit as possible, I went out for the bike ride, woke up and my life had completely changed."
The experience was also a shock for Emma and Richard, who stressed that doing CPR on a real person was very different to training.
Soon, a coordinated emergency response dispatched seven clinicians to the scene. Advanced life support and two defibrillator shocks were performed, successfully achieving a return of spontaneous circulation.
Craig was then flown to William Harvey Hospital's specialist cardiac unit in Ashford by the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.
After three weeks in a coma, Craig began his recovery, grateful for the immediate assistance he received without which he might not have survived.
The reunion at Dartford Ambulance Station was a heartfelt event where Craig thanked Emma, Richard, and the ambulance team, including Dave Hawkins, Aimee Pankhurst, Paul Abdey, Graham Seal, and Mat Allwright.
Reflecting on the situation, Emma said: "I think the biggest take from this that we've obviously discussed with the Air Ambulance Charity is, you're never going to be in a situation where you can make that person worse than they already are.
"So even if you don't achieve the perfect ending, even just that little bit of help is very important.
"So always stop. I mean doing something's better than doing nothing. "
The incident highlights the importance of knowledge about cardiac arrest signs and CPR.