Friday 16th October 2026 – 8am.
A Coventry woman who learned CPR just four weeks before her husband suffered a cardiac arrest has been reunited with the ambulance crews who helped save his life.
Jamie Cairns, from Bedworth, collapsed at home on 6 July 2026 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He had been out walking their dog when he returned and collapsed in the kitchen.
His wife, Karie Cairns, immediately began CPR while their nephew called 999. The combined efforts of Karie, the ambulance crews and hospital staff helped Jamie survive.
Three months later, the couple and their family were reunited with the ambulance crews who treated him, giving them the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ in person.
Coventry Paramedic’s Samantha Hall, Michelle Harris, Michael Haley and Technician Scott Kenzie attended to the medical emergency in Bedworth and were able to meet Jamie and Karie again in a heartfelt reunion at Coventry Hub.
Karie said: “It was terrifying seeing Jamie like that. I’d done some CPR training just four weeks earlier and it was like I went into autopilot.
“I knew I had to do something while my nephew called 999 and we waited for help to arrive. It was a huge relief when the ambulance crews got there and I’m so grateful that Jamie is still here today.”
Jamie said: “I feel like the luckiest man alive. There really aren’t enough words to thank everyone who helped save me, from Karie and our family to the ambulance crews and hospital staff.
“Being able to meet the people who cared for me and thank them in person meant a lot. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Paramedic Michael Haley, who attended the incident, said: “It’s fantastic to see Jamie doing so well and enjoying life again.
“Cardiac arrest survival depends on a chain of actions happening quickly. Karie recognised something was wrong and started CPR immediately, which gave Jamie the best possible chance before we arrived.”
Paramedic Michelle Harris added: “Karie’s actions made a real difference that day. We were able to build on the care she had already started.
“We’d encourage everyone to learn CPR. You never know when you might need it, but those skills could help save a life.”
Paramedic Samantha Hall added: “It isn’t often we get to see what happens once we hand a patient over into the care of the hospital so being able to meet Jamie, Karie and their family under such positive circumstances is fantastic.”
Technician Scott Kenzie also reflected on the reunion and said: “Meeting Karie and Jamie, and all of their family is really lovely. I’m very glad to see Jamie doing so well.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service is encouraging more people to learn CPR this Restart a Heart Day, as immediate bystander intervention can significantly increase a person’s chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Karie hopes that by sharing their story, more people will feel inspired to learn the lifesaving skill that helped save her husband’s life.
(Pictured are Jamie and Karie, Scott, Samantha, Michael and Michelle alongside members of Jamie and Karie’s family.)
Notes to Editors:
- More than 68,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK each year.
- Immediate CPR from a bystander can significantly improve a person’s chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.
- Restart a Heart Day aims to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and encourage more people to learn CPR and other lifesaving skills.