James’s father suffered a cardiac arrest in December 2022. Despite the best efforts of emergency services and our critical care team, he sadly passed away. James kindly shares what happened and his subsequent experience with our patient and family liaison team.

A Day That Changed Everything

I was Christmas shopping in Weymouth when I received a call from my dad’s work colleague, who informed me that he had collapsed. I made my way to the scene, arriving before any emergency crews, and could not believe my dad was in cardiac arrest.

Two land ambulances, a car, and then the helicopter arrived to try and save him. Unfortunately, despite advanced life support delivered by the critical care team, his condition could not be reversed. We later learnt that my dad sadly died of an aortic aneurysm. I saw first-hand how hard all the crew worked to try and save his life and the specialised equipment used, for example, a ventilator and the Lucas machine for chest compression.

The Importance of Aftercare

Two weeks later, I was in a really dark place, feeling shocked, confused by what had happened, and overwhelmed by a sense of loss. Not only did I lose my dad, but also my best friend and my work colleague. It was at that point that Gabi, my patient and family liaison nurse, came along. Gabi provided me with emotional support, bereavement signposting and post-trauma care. She displayed lots of empathy when answering my questions. After the funeral, I saw the air ambulance, which triggered a huge panic attack. I didn’t know what to do, so I called Gabi, and she helped calm me down and refocused me so that I was able to carry on with my day. I don’t know who I would have turned to if this aftercare was not in place. Gabi provided immediate and consistent on-going support. She is an amazing listener and taught me breathing exercises when I was completely overwhelmed.

Vital support

I am sharing my story because I believe it’s important to highlight the patient and family liaison team at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. I don’t think many people are aware of this service or the incredible work they do, so I want to raise awareness by sharing my own experience and highlight just how valuable their support truly is.

Often, when the outcome is like this, people tend to hide away and keep their story to themselves, but I want to recognise the amazing support and hard work from the critical care team and the patient and family liaison nurses in all situations. As a result of dad passing, I started my own business in electrical contracting. This is something he also did, and I named my company after our shared initials, JPCP Electrical Ltd in his memory. I also have a picture of him in my van.

I now raise money through my business by not charging for certain jobs and I match what is in the pot every year. I have also started volunteering for the charity which is so close to my heart.

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