Mum reunited with lifesaving Paramedic after cardiac arrest

A mum has been reunited with one of the Scottish Ambulance Service staff members who saved her life after she had a cardiac arrest.

Suzie Young, of Bonnyrigg, spent 10 days in hospital last year as a result of the incident, saying the “trauma” of the event had taken its toll.

Grateful for the life-saving actions of SAS, Suzie, along with husband Ian, visited Haddington Station to meet Paramedic Andy Rae, who was the first SAS responder on scene.

She also wanted to pass on her heartfelt thanks to the rest of the team that saved her life. This included Steven Hay, Clinical Team Leader Dalkeith, Vicky Korotkich, Paramedic and Kayleigh Gibson, Technician, both based at Haddington, who were also in attendance, and ACC staff, Mark Linden, Colin Carr and Neil Finlayson.

She said: “It was amazing to get to say thank you to Andy. It felt very emotional to meet the person who saved your life. He explained the events that happened from his point of view, and it reinforced what a lucky girl I am to be alive.

“The care I received from the ambulance service was amazing. I so grateful to Andy for saving my life. He was so calm and caring with my husband. I remember in the hospital Andy coming back to see how we were doing, and he gave Ian a big hug.”

Speaking about the incident, Suzie, who is aged 53 and worked as a Headteacher at the time, recalled how she started to feel unwell around 8pm on July 3 last year.

The mother-of-one added: “I lay down on my bed, but it got worse. I then went into the bathroom to lie on the floor to feel cooler. My husband called an ambulance. I was aware I was very sick and I was unable to talk or move eventually.”

Shortly after making the call, Andy arrived followed by the other staff.

She said: “Andy showed Ian how to preform CPR while he delivered 4 shocks with a defibrillator. When I woke up there were four members of the ambulance service who took me to hospital.”
Suzie was then transported to the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, having multiple tests.

She added: “ I was treated for Wolf Parkinson White syndrome, but unfortunately, they felt that is not what caused my arrest.”

She was diagnosed with Arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat, and eventually fitted with an ICD.

Suzie added: “The trauma of the event had taken its toll on me but through their support I am now thriving. I have started my exercise classes again and have a part time job working with my local MP as a caseworker. I have such a positive outlook on life and I am grateful every day that I am able to enjoy time with my wonderful family and friends.”