Couple reunited with Coventry ambulance crew after CPR helped save life
Karie Cairns had learned CPR just four weeks before her husband collapsed
A woman who learned CPR just four weeks before her husband suffered a cardiac arrest has been reunited with the ambulance crew who helped save his life, West Midlands Ambulance Service has said.
Jamie Cairns, from Bedworth, collapsed at home on 6th July 2026 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
He had been out walking their dog when he returned and collapsed in the kitchen.
His wife, Karie Cairns, immediately began CPR while their nephew called 999.
The ambulance service said the combined efforts of Karie, the ambulance crews and hospital staff helped Jamie survive.
The reunion
Three months later, the couple and their family met the ambulance crew who treated Jamie, giving them the chance to say thank you in person.
Paramedics Samantha Hall, Michelle Harris and Michael Haley, and technician Scott Kenzie, attended the emergency in Bedworth.
They met Jamie and Karie again at Coventry Hub.
Karie said: "It was terrifying seeing Jamie like that. I'd done some CPR training just four weeks earlier and it was like I went into autopilot.
"I knew I had to do something while my nephew called 999 and we waited for help to arrive. It was a huge relief when the ambulance crews got there and I'm so grateful that Jamie is still here today."
Jamie said: "I feel like the luckiest man alive. There really aren't enough words to thank everyone who helped save me, from Karie and our family to the ambulance crews and hospital staff.
"Being able to meet the people who cared for me and thank them in person meant a lot. I wouldn't be here without them."
Reaction from the crew
Paramedic Michael Haley said: "It's fantastic to see Jamie doing so well and enjoying life again.
"Cardiac arrest survival depends on a chain of actions happening quickly. Karie recognised something was wrong and started CPR immediately, which gave Jamie the best possible chance before we arrived."
Paramedic Michelle Harris said: "Karie's actions made a real difference that day. We were able to build on the care she had already started.
"We'd encourage everyone to learn CPR. You never know when you might need it, but those skills could help save a life."
Paramedic Samantha Hall said: "It isn't often we get to see what happens once we hand a patient over into the care of the hospital so being able to meet Jamie, Karie and their family under such positive circumstances is fantastic."
Technician Scott Kenzie said: "Meeting Karie and Jamie, and all of their family is really lovely. I'm very glad to see Jamie doing so well."
Call to learn CPR
West Midlands Ambulance Service is encouraging more people to learn CPR for Restart a Heart Day.
It said immediate bystander intervention can significantly increase a person's chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Karie hopes that by sharing their story, more people will feel inspired to learn the skill.
According to the ambulance service, more than 68,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK each year.