A nurse has told how he used CPR for the first time to help save his own father’s life after he collapsed with a cardiac arrest.
Although Stewart Beveridge, 40, received mandatory training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation as part of his job, he had never used it on a patient. That all changed in September when Bob Beveridge, 65, suffered a cardiac arrest while he was visiting Stewart in Stenhousemuir.
Stewart, who is a nurse at NHS Forth Valley, immediately began CPR while his father’s wife Elaine McGinlay rang 999 and spoke to call hander Hayley Meldrum until an ambulance arrived. His father spent several days in intensive care but is now recovering well, and the experience has prompted Stewart to urge everyone to learn CPR.
He said: “Working as a nurse, I have been lucky enough to receive mandatory CPR training. Throughout my 15 years of practice I have been fortunate to have not been in a situation where I’ve needed to carry out CPR on any patient. I never expected my dad would be my first experience in doing so.
“It’s hard to explain the adrenaline that kicks in and the feeling of fight or flight. Due to this I would like to send a huge heartfelt thank you to the call handler who kept me calm and focused during this time.
“She was instrumental in aiding me to perform CPR on my dad and without her I don’t think I would have been as level-headed and kept as calm as I did. It’s certainly true it takes a team to save a life.
“I would like to thank the crew from the Scottish Ambulance Service who attended to my dad, their professionalism and care provided were exceptional. Thank you for being so kind and compassionate toward my family during a very difficult and stressful event.
“It has certainly been a rollercoaster over the last few weeks, however my dad is now in process of recovery. I would urge everyone to seek CPR training or have some knowledge within this. It truly works and you could save a life.”
Mr Beveridge senior, from Stenhousemuir, was out of intensive care five days after his cardiac arrest and is recovering well.
He said: “I cannot remember anything about my sudden cardiac arrest but undoubtedly the most important factor in saving my life was taking ill in the presence of my son Stewart, who started CPR as soon as I collapsed whilst my wife Elaine phoned 999.
“I am eternally grateful to everyone involved in my care. I’m making steady progress and hope eventually to be back to my old self.”
His wife said: “From the initial 999 call right through to the care he is still receiving today, he has been looked after by the most professional, compassionate, caring and calm NHS staff I have ever had the privilege to meet.
“Every one of them played a part in saving my husband’s life in a true team effort, and for that we are truly grateful. It is also a great advert for learning how to do CPR, it works.”
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