A man who suffered a cardiac arrest during a parkrun near Westbury has thanked the off-duty police officer who helped save his life, saying he feels “very lucky” she was running behind him.
David Painter, 74, from Dilton Marsh, collapsed shortly after setting off at Thoulstone Park parkrun on 13 June.
Other runners initially placed David in the recovery position, but off-duty PC Vicky Howick recognised he was displaying agonal breathing – a key sign of cardiac arrest.
Realising the seriousness of the situation, she immediately called for the event’s defibrillator and began CPR alongside another runner. They continued chest compressions until paramedics and the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance arrived.
Meanwhile, PC Nick Slade went to David’s home to tell his wife, Jackie, what had happened. He then drove her to Bristol Royal Infirmary, remaining with her until other family members arrived.
The officers have since been commended by Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith for their actions.
David recently asked to meet the two officers to thank them personally, and the group reunited at Thoulstone Park on Monday 3 August.
David said: “I was desperate to meet the people who helped save my life.
“When my heart stopped during the parkrun on 13 June, I was incredibly lucky that Vicky was running behind me. She was able to start CPR straight away and use the parkrun defibrillator, which ultimately helped save my life.
“I feel like a very lucky man. This is the first time I’ve met Vicky in person, the person who saved my life, and it’s quite emotional. I’m so grateful to her.”
David spent around a month in hospital, where he underwent heart surgery. He has since had a cardioverter defibrillator fitted and has been advised not to drive or run for six months.
Instead, he plans to volunteer at parkrun events while he recovers.
During the emergency, David’s treasured 2016 Bath Half Marathon T-shirt had to be cut off. PC Howick later surprised him with a replacement, sourcing a London Marathon T-shirt after being unable to find the same one.
PC Vicky Howick said: “I’ve been a police officer for 20 years and every year we refresh our first aid training, including how to use a defibrillator and perform CPR.
“It becomes second nature and, when something like this happens, you draw on that training and do the best you can.
“Meeting David has been really emotional. It’s fantastic to see him doing so well.”
She said meeting victims and their families after traumatic incidents can play an important role in recovery.
She said: “As police officers, we’re exposed to traumatic incidents on a regular basis, and we have support in place to help us deal with that.
“For members of the public, these events can be overwhelming and confusing. People often want to talk through what happened and understand more about what they experienced. David told us he wasn’t aware of what had happened until he woke up in hospital.”
Jackie said seeing police officers arrive at her home left her fearing the worst.
She said: “When I saw two officers arrive at my door, my legs went from under me.”
She described PC Slade as “amazing”, saying he drove her to hospital, connected her phone to the hospital Wi-Fi, helped her find nurses and doctors, and made sure she was not alone before leaving.
Following the incident, the local parkrun has organised a first aid course for 50 runners to help participants develop lifesaving skills and improve their confidence in responding to emergencies.
