Dr. Tim Baker and Paramedic Roger Linnell were on standby when an urgent call came in from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS). A person in Nottingham had suffered a cardiac arrest at home—their heart had stopped beating.
The EMICS team in the Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) was the first to arrive, followed by an EMAS Tactical Commander and a Double Crewed Ambulance (DCA).
Upon arrival, the patient had no pulse. The team cleared the airway, used a defibrillator to deliver electric shocks, and administered medication to restart the heart.
Dr Baker also used a ‘LUCAS 3’ device, a specialist machine that takes over chest compressions. He explained:
“Every second without blood flow reduces the chances of recovery. Oxygen is critical for the brain and other organs, and without it, damage happens fast. The LUCAS 3 keeps blood circulating, allowing us to focus on other treatments. Without this intervention, survival becomes much less likely.”
Unlike standard NHS ambulances, EMICS vehicles carry this advanced equipment, enabling the team to focus on other urgent treatments.
The patient’s heart started beating again, and they began breathing independently. Still unconscious, they were taken to the hospital with EMICS specialists continuing their care to the emergency department.
In another critical emergency, Dr. Matt Woods responded in his own car, which is also fitted with life-saving equipment, to a cardiac arrest in Leicestershire resulting from severe injuries sustained in a traumatic accident.
The patient was unresponsive, so while waiting for the EMAS ambulance crew, Dr Woods began treatment. The injuries meant that Dr Woods had to perform emergency surgery at the scene once the EMAS team arrived.
Dr Woods carried out a ‘thoracostomy’—making an incision into the chest wall and using his fingers to check if the lungs were properly inflated. This procedure helped stabilise the patient before transport to the hospital.
After successfully restarting the patient’s heart, the team transported the patient to the nearest Major Trauma Centre for urgent care. Dr Woods continued specialist treatment throughout the journey to give the patient the best possible chance of recovery.
When the heart stops or severe injuries occur, every moment counts. Without fast intervention, the chances of survival drop significantly.
EMICS doctors and paramedics bring advanced medical care directly to the scene—whether at home, by the roadside, or in remote locations. Their expertise and quick response mean more people recover from life-threatening emergencies.
EMICS is a charity that relies entirely on donations to continue its vital work. With more funding, we can equip additional vehicles, reach more patients, and make a difference in even more emergencies.
To support EMICS and help save lives, please consider donating today: https://emics.org.uk/donate.
