Joan (L) and Louise Higgs (R) reunited with ambulance crews
(Picture: London Ambulance Service)A woman whose heart stopped beating for at least 28 minutes has met the London Ambulance Service crews who saved her life.
Louise Higgs, 59, went into cardiac arrest in August 2022 at her home in Angel. Her heart was restarted by LAS medics after more than half an hour of CPR.
Her mother Joan has since contacted the LAS to thank those involved in her daughter’s resuscitation and the crews and family have met in an emotional reunion.
Joan said: “I am beyond grateful that these amazing people saved my daughter, my family.
“I lost my son 13 years ago and one thing’s certain, if Louise hadn’t survived, I would have died too.”
Louise had been in her bedroom getting ready to attend an Arsenal game when she started struggling to breathe. An operation to her spine in 2017 – which left her limbs paralysed – meant her airways were already compromised.
Paramedic Ellie Varouhakis and Trainee Assistant Ambulance Practitioner Rachel Walters were the first to arrive at their house, where Louise was still conscious.
Shortly after, Louise’s heart stopped beating and that’s when the crew started delivering life-saving CPR.
But Louise’s paralysis meant the medics had to be careful to not damage her neck further, so they called for another ambulance crew for back-up.
Paramedics William Dickinson and Katherine Anderson and Advanced Paramedic Rory Saggers arrived at the scene to deliver further treatment and Louise’s heart started to beat again.
After about half an hour in which Louise’s life was in the balance, she was taken to hospital.
Louise spent four weeks at University College London Hospital before moving to St Thomas’ Hospital, where she spent a further three weeks.
She was eventually discharged in good health.
Louise has no recollection of the few hours she spent on the verge of death.
But she joked: “When I died, it’s not like I wanted to see green fields and gambolling sheep, but at least I expected to see Arsenal winning the Champions League!”
Joan and Louise raised a glass at New Year’s to celebrate the “brilliant” work done by the paramedics who saved Louise’s life.
Trainee Assistant Ambulance Practitioner Rachel said: “It’s surreal to see Louise alive, well, talking, in the very room where she died a few months before.
“We got her back to the place where she was before the cardiac arrest: enjoying life with her mother. Her recovery has been incredible and this fills me with joy.”
Less than 10 per cent of people survive a cardiac arrest in London. Chances of survival can increase if CPR is performed on the person as quickly as possible.
Chief Paramedic Dr John Martin said: “We are all incredibly proud of the teams who helped to save Louise, and I am delighted they found an opportunity to be reunited. This is a powerful example of the difference our staff make every day and the care they provide to Londoner.”
