Great-grandfather calls UHNM Nurse his ‘Guardian Angel’

A great-grandfather of eight has praised a nurse from University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) after she saved his life when he suffered a cardiac arrest in a chip shop queue.
 
Graham Scott, 81 from Newcastle-under-Lyme, suffered a cardiac arrest at the start of this year while waiting in the queue for his favourite dinner of fish and chips.
 
Rebecca Ferneyhough, a UHNM nurse was also visiting the fish and chip shop with her son when she found Graham unconscious and started to perform CPR.
 
Thanks to her quick response, Graham, who has worked as a lolly-pop man for 24 years has recently been able to return to the job he loves at Hempstalls Primary School in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
 
Graham said: “The only thing I can say about Becky is she’s my guardian angel that helped save my life. I can’t thank her and the NHS enough, it’s fantastic and even when I was discharged how they looked after me was brilliant. 
 
“Being back on my feet and back to work gives me a purpose in life again. I feel wonderful, the children make me feel special and I feel a part of the school, I have never been so happy. I was determined to go back as it was something I loved. 
 
“Life is getting back to normal and I am so happy to be back doing what I love.” 
 
Rebecca Ferneyhough, professional lead for quality and operations at UHNM, said: “When I walked into the fish and chip shop and saw Graham it was clear that he was extremely unwell and unconscious, so I started CPR immediately and continued to do so until the paramedics arrived and took over.  
 
“I feel humble and so proud that I was there that night, and even though it was daunting to give CPR in public you have to be brave and confident in these kind of situations and I would encourage everyone to learn how to do CPR. If it ever happens, please don’t be frightened, you can only buy time and make things better and possibly save a life. 
 
“A miracle happened that day, I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and it means that Graham is still with us, back doing what makes him happy which is so special.” 
 
The pair have since reunited, and they spoke about his recovery, his family and the job he loves.  
 
To learn how to do CPR, find more information here: Learn how to do CPR | British Heart Foundation - BHF

(image credit to Staffordshire County Council)