So...it would appear I randomly saved some guys life today ( at the moment ). My mum picked my up at around 1230 today to go to her house for Sunday roast. My mum driving, me the front seat passenger, my niece and my daughter in the back. Travelling along Cwmbran drive towards newport when I see a silver costa stopped on the side of the road, nothing new there. That is, until see someone bring pulled from it. I scream to my mum..Stop, stop the car. She came to the most abrupt stop she could and I ran toward the vehicle. There I find a 63 year old man not breathing, no pulse and some sick coloured stuff coming from his mouth. Airway...can't see. Breathing...no Pulse.......no....wait....no I thought for a second and double guessed myself. I'm going to have to start chest compressions. I sat up, hands on chest, locked my arms and pushed. It was horrific; clicking and crunching but I remembered they said that would happen. As I pressed I could see his belly rising and falling. There's an obstruction I thought. Checked his mouth. Where he was such a big bloke with a big tongue, I couldn't see any obstructions. Get him on his side, clear his mouthing vomit and liquid. Back onto his back and recommends compressions. By now someone was on the phone to ambulance and they were telling me to so everything I was already doing. I then also called 999, I'm a police officer see and I knew that the police arrive before the ambulance. Of all the people to answer my 999 call....my girlfriend who works in the control room. She instantly assumed there was something wrong with me or my family. I asked her for assistance and within a minute or two police were there but they could do nothing more than I was. After what felt like an eternity the ambulance arrived. I handed over but kept the compressions going so they could do what they needed to do. They too were struggling to get an airway in. Defib on and a shock. Nothing. By now he was purple and clammy, I thought he was gone. Compressions keep going and some other ambulance type stuff going on when an off duty paramedic arrived. He was able to concentrate on getting an airway in whilst everyone else done other stuff. At this point someone took over from me, I went to check on the welfare of my family and sent them on their way. Back to the scene where we bundled the fella on the bed...into the ambulance...and off he goes. I then drove the family car to the hospital and met the mans wife. I handed over the keys and introduced myself properly. Turns out the family love across the road from a friend of mine and fellow police officer. I left my details, got the lady a cup of tea and left the scene where I was met by one of the paramedics. The man was alive and had an output....what ever that meant. A few hours later the hospital called my work and fed it back that he was very unwell but alive, as a result of my actions. All in all a very emotional day. I'm proud and saddened at the same time Proud I had the courage to run towards the incident, yet sad for the family. From the very bottom of the deepest part of me I hope he's ok. I'm glad I knew the little first aid I know and know had a drive for more. From this all I can't take away the paramedics do this every day with no thanks. So for that. THANK YOU. I also hope I do not upset or offend anyone with this post on my personal experience.
