Patient stories

Cathy’s story

“I remember thinking, 'I'm not ready to die yet; I've got reasons to be here’. I was absolutely terrified."

Phill’s story

Fewer than 1-in-10 people in the UK survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Remarkably, Phill Ashby is not only one of those survivors - he suffered three cardiac arrests in two hours.  

Charlie’s story

“My foot was hanging off and had twisted right round. I was looking at the bottom of my left boot where the top of my foot should have been. I realised I was in a lot of trouble.”

Sunnah and Joe’s story

12-year-old Sunnah and 17-year-old Joe sadly lost their lives following an incident on Bournemouth Beach in 2023. We responded alongside our colleagues at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Paul and Joyce’s story

“I could see the colour coming back to his face, so I knew we were doing the right thing. I was just willing everyone to get here quickly – I knew he needed defibrillation.”

Remarkable family skydiving in memory of son and brother Warren, 10

“Warren’s inhaler didn’t seem to be working, and he started to panic. Then while I was on the phone for an ambulance, he turned blue and stopped breathing."

Matt’s story

Matt suffered life-threatening injuries when he was flung 30 metres from his motorbike after colliding with an oncoming car.

Richard’s story

“He reached back and touched my leg. I knew then that both my legs were broken. I don't know how or why, but I just knew.” 

Julian’s story

61-year-old Julian had a cardiac arrest at his desk at the University of Southampton. His colleagues sprang into action, performing CPR and administering shocks from an automated external defibrillator.

Utrick’s story

“The intensive care doctor said get here now or it'll be too late. It was horrendous. I was in a bit of a state, but I just had to get there.”

Jeanette’s story

“As someone who needed it, I'd urge everyone to learn CPR. You never know when you might need it."

Rachel’s story

19-year-old Rachel had her sights set on the Team GB Rowing Team. Those dreams were cut short when she was hit by a car near Southampton Central Train Station.