A passenger who suffered a cardiac arrest on board a train has met with rail staff who helped saved his life.
Passenger Ian Drewry, 69, was at Reading station yesterday to meet with Great Western Railway colleagues Veronika Rogers, Jack McIntyre, and Michael Lamb.
They were involved with the emergency response when Ian suffered a cardiac arrest during his journey from Swindon to London Paddington on 14 September last year.
Ian was joined at Reading station by Karen Watts, Network Rail’s station delivery manager for Reading, and representatives from the South Central Ambulance Service, as well as Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
He said:
“This has been truly amazing – I just didn’t realise the amount of people involved on that Sunday afternoon last September.
“It’s so important to come back and say thank you. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for all those who helped me on the day; the platform staff, the train manager, the train driver and all those who coordinated to get the help I needed.”
Ian went into cardiac arrest while the train was approaching Reading station. A passenger activated the emergency alarm, which brought the train to a halt.
GWR Train Manager Veronika Rogers went to investigate and found a man not breathing. Incredibly, a doctor also happened to be travelling on the same train and was able to administer CPR while another passenger called 999.
Veronika Rogers initiated emergency procedures, which informed Network Rail’s Western route Control team of the situation on board the train.
She said:
“I could already see a doctor tending to the gentleman, so I quickly called through to the driver to ask that the train was moved on to Reading.
“I’m just so happy to hear that he survived and I’m very happy to meet him. It’s all about teamwork – I only played a small part by speaking to the driver, but everyone who got involved did their bit to help save his life.”
Working with signallers in the Thames Valley, Network Rail staff in Swindon were able to ensure that the train was held at Reading station to allow emergency services personnel to attend the scene and provide lifesaving medical assistance to Ian.
GWR train dispatchers Jack McIntyre and Michael Lamb sourced a station defibrillator and set up screens to help keep the platform clear.
Their quick-thinking enabled the emergency services to take over Ian’s care without delay. Ian was then taken to hospital, where he went on to make a recovery.
Jack said:
“It was within my first few days of qualifying as a dispatcher and the adrenaline just kicked in. I remember speaking to Veronika when the train got into the station and then helping to direct people away from the scene. It’s great to learn that he survived.”
Earlier this year, Ian contacted the South Central Ambulance Service to find out if it was possible to thank the people who saved his life, which led to today’s reunion.
Karen Watts, Network Rail’s station delivery manager for Reading, said:
“It was wonderful to see Ian today – we were very touched that he wanted to return to the station to thank everyone in person.
“We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues at Reading, on board the train and in Swindon Control, whose swift action and calm under pressure meant Ian received lifesaving care within moments of falling ill.
“We’d also like to thank the passengers and medical professionals who stepped in – everyone involved that day acted quickly and worked together to help save Ian’s life.
“It was fantastic to meet again in much happier circumstances, and we wish Ian all the very best in his continued recovery. He’s always welcome to pop in and say hello whenever he’s in Reading.”
Image credit: GWR
