Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK and Basildon Cardiothoracic Centre – New Guinness World Record

Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK and Basildon Cardiothoracic Centre have heard back from Guinness World Records that their attempt to break the record for most cardiac arrest survivors in one place has been approved and they are now “Guinness World Record Holders!”

Paul Swindell (former EHAAT patient) set up Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK after his cardiac arrest in 2014 at the age of 48. He is the driving force behind the record attempt. He said:

People have travelled from across the UK, by train, plane and automobile to be here at the world record attempt. A massive thank you to all those involved in the organisation of the day.”

127 survivors aged 11 to 80 (plus their families) came from all over the country on Saturday 9th June to take part in the event. One person even left their holiday in Gran Canaria and then flew back the next day! The day was not just about the record, but about bringing as many people together to share their experiences and to help them realise they are not alone.

The 300 plus attendees had plenty to get involved in on the day with a great selection of talks, an exhibition and tours of the catheterization lab. After the event, they continued into the evening with a “Celebration of Life” party. Essex & Herts Air Ambulance gave everyone a wave as they flew over in the evening.

Tony Stone, Critical Care Paramedic/Patient Liaison Manager at EHAAT said:

This was a really special occasion and I was really proud to assist on behalf of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Seeing so many cardiac arrest survivors in one room was just amazing and it highlights what can be achieved when early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced care is brought to the patient at the time of collapse. A number of the survivors present on the day were former patients of ours, and I was immensely proud to see them all doing so well. It was a privilege to be involved and a special thank you to Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK and Basildon Cardiothoracic Centre for organising such a special day.”