Kevin Cuffley is still the Conservative County Councillor for Sawston and Shelford and Chairman of Sawston Parish Council, thanks to...
"On June 12th, while I was chairing a Sawston Parish Council meeting, I had a massive heart attack and went straight into cardiac arrest. Without the prompt actions of Cllr Brian Milnes and Jo Keeler, the Parish Clerk, I would not be here today.
"I had many factors on my side – a public meeting, Brian swiftly performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillator in the building, which Jo Keeler activated.
"I was dead – but no one gave up. Three paramedic crews turned up as well as the East Anglian Air Ambulance. They treated me for 40 minutes and were four minutes away from calling it in. But me being me, I sparked up. I was shocked nine times and had every type of care and treatment you could possibly have.
"When they managed to stabilise me I was flown to Papworth where they performed emergency surgery and had two stents fitted. It transpired I had a blood clot which impacted on two of my main arteries.
"Too say I am lucky fortunate is an understatement.
"To the crew, Brian and Jo I owe my life, for without all their fantastic skills and treatment I would have died.
"I wanted to thank them – Carol, my wife, and Hannah Fryer (the paramedic) organised a surprise event for me to meet the whole crew.
"They came from all over: Norwich, Newmarket, Harlow, Shelford and Cambridge. It was a fantastic surprise and a very emotional time for me. Something I will never forget. All the crew hold a special place in my life that can never be taken away.
"These people are fantastic and work in exceptional conditions.
"No matter what anyone says about the NHS they are always there when needed.
"Thank you."
Thanks, too to East Anglian Air Ambulance for providing the photos - and the caption (on the left).
Click here for links to know more about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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East Anglian Air Ambulance
East Anglian Air Ambulance
Hangar E
Gambling Close
Norwich Airport
Norwich
NR6 6EG03450 669 999
General enquiries: info@eaaa.org.uk
Twitter #TogetherWeSaveLivesWebsite: www.eaaa.org.uk
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Kevin Cuffley
Kevin is County Councillor for Sawston & Shelford
Councillor Kevin Cuffley
9 Dale Way
Sawston
CB22 3LE01223 832 079 / 07940 859 660