Exeter cardiac arrest survivor reunited with ambulance crew who helped save his life
An Exeter father has been reunited with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) crew who helped save his life after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
Matthew Hockin, 40, from Exeter, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his home on 22 October 2025 after waking with severe chest pain and other concerning symptoms. Recognising that something was seriously wrong, his wife Emma, called 999 and was guided by the call handler while waiting for help to arrive.
Ambulance crews promptly arrived on scene and immediately began assessing and treating Matthew, and as they were transferring him into the ambulance, Matthew suddenly went into cardiac arrest.
Fortunately, because the crew were already at his side, they were able to begin advanced life support immediately before conveying him to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he received further specialist treatment including the insertion of two stents into his coronary arteries.
Just nine months later, on 15 July 2026, Matthew and Emma were reunited with Paramedics, Vernon Lloyd and Georgina Keeble, together with Emergency Care Assistant, Aaron Khemlyani, at SWASFT's East Devon Operations Centre in Exeter, giving them the opportunity to personally thank the team whose care helped make Matthew's recovery possible.
The emotional reunion was the first time the crew had seen Matthew since the day they treated him.
Matthew said: "I wasn't really sure what to expect before meeting Georgina, Vernon and Aaron again, but I can honestly say it was an incredible experience. It was fascinating to hear what happened that morning from their perspective and to learn more about everything they did to help save my life. I wouldn't be here today without their skill, professionalism, and the speed at which they acted. No words will ever be enough to thank them, and everyone involved in my care. Emma and I will always be grateful for everything they did for our family."
Emma said: "The events of that morning happened so quickly, but from the moment I called 999 I knew we weren't facing it alone. The call handler guided me so calmly through exactly what I needed to do, and the ambulance crew took over with such confidence and compassion. Being able to meet them again in much better circumstances and to thank them in person, has meant the world to us."
Georgina Keeble, Paramedic at SWASFT said: "This is the first time I've ever been reunited with a patient, and it's been such a special experience. As ambulance clinicians, we don't often get to find out what happens to our patients after we hand them over at hospital, so seeing Matthew happy, healthy and back enjoying life with his family means so much. It reminds you why we do this job.
"Every link in the chain of survival matters, from recognising something is wrong and calling 999 straight away, to early treatment and the care patients receive afterwards. We're all so pleased to see Matthew doing so well."
Every year, ambulance clinicians respond to thousands of patients suffering cardiac arrest. Survival depends on early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid access to a defibrillator and prompt advanced medical care.
This summer, South Western Ambulance Service is encouraging everyone to learn CPR and familiarise themselves with the use and location of their nearest public access defibrillator. In a cardiac arrest, every second counts and early action can save a life.
Now continuing his recovery, Matthew is looking forward to spending the summer with Emma and their two young sons - something he knows would not have been possible without the actions of those who helped him on the day he became critically ill.
To find out more about recognising the signs of a cardiac arrest and what to do, visit: https://www.swast.nhs.uk/saving-lives-together
To find out more about free CPR and defibrillator training from the South Western Ambulance Service, visit https://www.swast.nhs.uk/cpr-and-defibrillator-training