Shepton Mallet cardiac arrest survivor reunited with ambulance crew and member of the public who helped save his life
A Shepton Mallet man has been reunited with a member of the public and crew members from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) who helped save his life following a sudden cardiac arrest last year.
On 21 November 2025, Peter Brine suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at his home in Shepton Mallet. Just after 4pm, his wife Sue discovered him collapsed on the floor and immediately called 999. Guided by the call handler, Sue began CPR, providing vital care in the critical first moments before help arrived.
Adam Spencer, a nearby GoodSAM responder, was alerted through the GoodSAM app and arrived first on scene, quickly taking over CPR. Ambulance crews arrived shortly afterwards and continued advanced treatment before Peter was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary for further treatment.
While in hospital Peter was put into an induced coma, had a stent fitted and spent eight days on the critical care ward. Peter was then transferred to the Bristol Heart Institute for further care and physical and psychological rehabilitation and was discharged on the 16 December, just in time to spend Christmas at home.
On Friday 17 April 2026, an emotional reunion took place at Shepton Mallet Ambulance Station, where Peter, Sue and their daughter Paula met Adam Spencer alongside some of the SWASFT clinicians who attended the incident: Amanda Johnson, Paramedic; Scott Matthews, Emergency Care Assistant; and George Pemble-Vincent, Paramedic and Area Head of Volunteering and Community Services.
The reunion gave the Brine family an opportunity to personally thank those whose quick actions helped save Peter's life.
Peter Brine said: "I don't remember anything from the day itself, but I know I wouldn't be here without the incredible actions of everyone involved. Meeting Adam, Amanda, Scott and George and has been very special for me and my family. I am just so grateful - thank you doesn't feel like enough."
Sue said: "That day was the most frightening experience of my life. The 999 call handler guided me through CPR, and then Adam arrived so quickly - it gave me hope when I needed it most. To be able to meet him and the crews in person and say thank you is something I'll never forget."
Adam Spencer, GoodSAM responder, said: "You never expect to meet the people you help in these situations, so being able to see Peter well and reunited with his family is incredibly rewarding. It's a reminder of why schemes like GoodSAM are so important. I'm just glad I could be there to help, and it's been truly special to meet Peter, Sue and Paula today."
The South Western Ambulance Service highlighted the importance of early CPR and community responders, praising Sue's quick actions and the role of the GoodSAM network in improving survival outcomes for patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
George Pemble-Vincent, Area Head of Volunteering and Community Services (North) at SWASFT, said: "The GoodSAM app is helping to transform emergency care by connecting trained responders to nearby cardiac arrests within moments of a 999 call being made. Every second counts during a cardiac arrest. By alerting trained members of the public who can begin CPR before ambulance crews arrive, the app is helping to save lives and improve patient outcomes.
"Anyone with CPR skills can register as a GoodSAM responder. There is no expectation to carry equipment - the ability to provide early, high-quality CPR is what makes the difference.
George added: "It was a pleasure meeting Peter and his family, and we wish them all the very best for the future."
The reunion not only celebrated Peter's recovery but also highlighted the vital role the GoodSAM app plays in improving survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
GoodSAM (Good Smartphone Activated Medics) uses mobile GPS technology to alert the nearest available trained responders when someone nearby is in cardiac arrest. Responders who accept an alert can begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the crucial minutes before an ambulance arrives, giving patients the best possible chance of survival.
Now continuing his recovery, Peter and his family hope sharing their story will encourage more people with CPR training to sign up to the GoodSAM app and help support their local communities.
For more information about the GoodSAM app and how to register, visit: