Stephen Grant, a 69-year-old retired librarian from Brackley, credits his survival to the swift actions of bystanders and the lifesaving care of The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) after suffering a cardiac arrest just yards from his home in December 2023.
Stephen was returning home from a routine trip running errands when his heart stopped. A member of the public began CPR immediately while others retrieved a nearby defibrillator. Within minutes, emergency services were on their way and The Air Ambulance Service touched down in a field close by. The crew took over, delivering advanced life support, medication, and repeated defibrillation shocks. For more than 30 minutes, the clinical team worked persistently to restore his heartbeat.
Once stabilised, Stephen was then transported to John Radcliffe Hospital, where he spent several weeks recovering and was fitted with an internal device to regulate dangerous heart rhythms. He was discharged on 23 December, just in time for Christmas.
Weeks later, he faced another challenge when he suffered a Ventricular Tachycardia storm and received multiple shocks from his defibrillator. He was treated at John Radcliffe Hospital once again and has remained well since.
Over the following months, Stephen focused on rebuilding his life. He completed six weeks of cardiac rehabilitation and received psychological support. He has embraced a slower pace of life, enjoying gardening, reading, gentle walks, and days out with his wife. He even completed a charity walking challenge set by British Heart Foundation, covering 50 miles in four weeks, and now regularly walks to support his heart health.
Reflecting on his experience, Stephen said: “You know that they’re there, but you never think you’ll need them. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. I’m immensely grateful to The Air Ambulance Service that continues to support so many of us when we need help most.”
A year after his cardiac arrest, Stephen visited The Air Ambulance Service base and met the crew who saved his life. Inspired by the visit and a subsequent encounter with a TAAS volunteer, he joined the charity’s lottery to help ensure lifesaving support is available for others.
The charity recently launched its ‘Big Bases Appeal’, which aims to fund new bases to support operational crews and to improve patient aftercare.
Support for the ‘Big Bases Appeal’ will help patients like Stephen receive the specialist care they need, both at the scene and throughout their recovery.
