A man from east London who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was shocked 26 times with a defibrillator has been reunited with the paramedics who saved his life, in an emotional meeting at West Ham Ambulance Station this week.
James Ronan, 47, from Plaistow, was enjoying dinner with his stepdaughters when he began experiencing sharp chest pains. Shortly after arriving home, his wife Veneta called 999, fearing the worst. Paramedics quickly arrived, and within minutes James collapsed — his heart had stopped.
Paramedics Fought to Keep Him Alive
Ambulance crews sprang into action, delivering life-saving treatment on the spot. They administered thrombolysis, a medication used to dissolve blood clots, and delivered a staggering 26 shocks from a defibrillator in an attempt to restart James’ heart.
“I felt unwell when we got home, and then I lost consciousness,” James recalled. “The crews worked on me for over an hour. It wasn’t until much later I found out how severe it was. I was literally a dead man.”
He was urgently taken to the Heart Attack Centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where surgeons inserted stents to open his arteries, and he made a quick recovery.
A Grateful Reunion
This week, James returned to West Ham Ambulance Station to personally thank the team who saved his life.
“They were fantastic,” James said. “I’ll be forever grateful. It’s unbelievable what they did for me.”
His wife Veneta added, “He was in so much pain, I had to call an ambulance. My daughter was screaming. I didn’t even know if he’d survive.”
‘James is Living Proof Defibrillators Work’
Andy Parker, Advanced Paramedic with the London Ambulance Service, said:
“James survived his cardiac arrest thanks to the incredible teamwork on scene. It’s rare for a patient to need that many shocks, but this shows how vital early defibrillation and CPR are. James is living proof that defibrillators work.”
Andy also praised bystanders, noting the importance of public access to defibrillators, adding that the London Heart Starters campaign is working to increase availability of the life-saving devices.
Defibrillator Gaps in London
Recent analysis from the campaign has highlighted 150 neighbourhoods across London where access to defibrillators is limited, significantly impacting survival rates. In Newham, where James lives, there are 14 priority neighbourhoods urgently needing defibrillators, including Beckton North, Forest Gate, Plaistow South, and East Ham.
Back Behind the Wheel
Now recovering, James is looking forward to returning to work as a lorry driver.
“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel,” he smiled. “Every day now feels like a gift.”
