A Medway teenager’s life was saved thanks to the quick actions of a neighbour who had recently learned CPR and how to use a defibrillator in a session run by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS). On 6 March, Sarah Malone, a local resident, found herself using the life-saving skills she had learned at a fire station training to help save 15-year-old Grace Yates, who had collapsed and stopped breathing after spending the evening with friends.

Grace had been preparing for her GCSEs and was out on a playing field near her home when she suddenly collapsed. Her friends rushed her home to her mother, Clare, who immediately realized something was seriously wrong. As Clare panicked, Sarah Malone, who had received a call from her son Kavan—who was with Grace—rushed to the scene.

Sarah recalled, "I tapped her cheek and called her name, but she was completely unresponsive. I knew she wasn’t breathing, but it was a tough decision to make in the heat of the moment. I rolled her over, gave her two breaths, and called for a defibrillator."

As Sarah began administering CPR, her husband, Lee, arrived and took over compressions while Sarah stayed on the phone with an emergency medical advisor, Tina Shepherd from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), who coached her through the process.

Tina praised Sarah’s quick response, saying: "Her prior CPR training made a significant difference. Grace is alive today because of Sarah’s actions."

When Grain’s on-call fire crew, who were at their weekly drill, arrived with the defibrillator, they administered a shock that ultimately restarted Grace’s heart. She was then taken to King’s College Hospital in London, where doctors discovered she had a rare heart condition caused by a mutation of the RYR2 gene.

Grace, who was in a coma for four days, has since undergone treatment and continues to be monitored by medical professionals. Reflecting on the incident, Grace said: "I’m so thankful Sarah had taken that CPR course. I don’t know what would have happened otherwise."

Now, Grace has taken part in a CPR session herself at the local fire station, and KFRS is encouraging more residents to attend their free CPR and defibrillator training sessions. The Grain crew emphasized the importance of these sessions, with Watch Manager Ollie adding, "If anyone needs proof that these sessions work, Sarah is it. Her training saved Grace’s life."

Upcoming CPR and defibrillator sessions across Kent include:

• 17 Oct – Tonbridge
• 4 Nov – Ramsgate
• 6 Nov – Sevenoaks
• 11 Nov – Edenbridge
• 21 Nov – Dartford

All KFRS stations are equipped with public access defibrillators, available for use in an emergency. The team hopes more people will take advantage of the opportunity to learn these critical skills.