Cardiac arrest survivor reunites with her lifesavers

Helen Warren went into cardiac arrest just before boarding her flight last September

A cardiac arrest survivor reunited with the people who saved her life.

Helen Warren's holiday came to an abrupt half on 9 September 2025 when she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest before boarding her flight at Gatwick.

The first responders included Secamb paramedics John Waghorn and Katie Cross, who resuscitated Helen at the scene before taking her to St George's Hospital in London.

"I don't remember anything from that day, but I know I wouldn't be here without them," Warren said. "Being able to meet the people who saved my life is something I'll never forget - it's overwhelming, but in the best possible way."

When Helen was waiting at the departure gate, she suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing.

The passenger operations team nearby immediately began CPR and raised the alarm as emergency help rushed to the scene.

John Waghorn, a Gatwick-based paramedic, arrived within a few minutes closely followed by colleagues from the airports fire and rescue team who administered three life-saving shocks with a defibrillator.

"Seeing Helen now, talking and smiling, really reminds you why those first few minutes matter so much and the importance of the 'chain of survival'", Waghorn said.

Katie added: "You don't often get to meet patients again after something like this, so the reunion was incredibly special. It was lovely to see Helen and how she is recovering so well."

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