Hadleigh man thanks ambulance teams who saved his life
Date: 16 October 2025A Hadleigh man has returned to Southend Ambulance Station to personally thank the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) crews who helped save his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest while cycling.
Steve Thomas, 71, collapsed while using a static bike at a local gym in December. Staff at the gym immediately recognised the seriousness of the situation, called 999, and began CPR.
They also delivered a life-saving shock using a defibrillator, actions that were crucial in achieving a return of spontaneous circulation before ambulance crews arrived.
Paramedic Kristian Free and Emergency Medical Technician Anthony Baldacci were first on scene, followed by Paramedic Martin Mowle and Leading Operations Managers Sadie Sampson and James Palmer. The East Anglian Air Ambulance was also dispatched by the critical care desk to provide additional support.
The teams worked together to stabilise Steve before transporting him to the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre at Basildon University Hospital, where he spent an extended period recovering over Christmas. Now well on the road to recovery, Steve was eager to meet the crews who played a vital role in saving his life.
Steve Thomas said:
“It was a privilege to meet some of the crew who helped me that day.
“I’d wanted to say thank you for a long time, and when a friend told me it was possible, I got in touch, I’m so glad I did. They helped fill in the blanks about what happened, and I’m incredibly grateful.
“These people are true heroes. They go above and beyond to help people like me every single day.”
Sadie Sampson, Leading Operations Manager at EEAST, said:
“It was wonderful to see Steve doing so well.
“The high-quality CPR and early defibrillation he received before we arrived were critical, they made a huge difference and allowed us to be less invasive in our treatment.
“We strongly encourage everyone to learn these life-saving skills.”
To learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator, visit the Resuscitation Council UK website and explore Restart a Heart, an annual initiative held on 16 October and promoted throughout the month.
EEAST also runs EEAST Heart, a free community-based education programme in basic life support (BLS) and defibrillator awareness (AED). Delivered by EEAST staff and volunteers, the programme is funded by generous donations to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity.
