Neil and Sue's Story

On Sunday 28 September 2025, Neil and his wife Sue were enjoying a cycle ride from their home in Chippenham, a regular hobby on fair weather days. However, as they cycled through Yatton Keynell, Neil collapsed from his bike, was unresponsive and stopped breathing normally.

A 999 call was made to the ambulance service at 2.44pm and it was quickly identified that a critical care team was required. The call was received by Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance soon after.

Within three minutes, pilot George, doctor Maria, and specialist paramedic in critical care Matt were on board the helicopter and had lifted from the Charity airbase in Semington. During this time, it was recognised that Neil was in cardiac arrest and CPR was being delivered on scene.

While the location was remote, George and Matt’s navigation was aided by the local water tower. They were able to land close to Neil to provide the rapid critical care he needed by 3pm.

Dr Maria and Matt supported the land ambulance crew with ongoing resuscitation and enhanced the care using a mechanical CPR device and procedures to protect the airway and optimise his ventilation.

The treatment delivered was dynamic, delivering advanced interventions, including medications only carried by critical care services, as they responded to changes in Neil’s condition. His wife Sue was kept updated and supported, with doctor Maria explaining the treatment decisions as they were undertaken.

After a total of 90 minutes of resuscitation and care on scene, the crew were able to achieve sustained stability in his condition, allowing them to transfer him safely to hospital.

Being a Sunday afternoon, the nearest hospital could not provide the urgent access to the cardiac surgery Neil needed. However, with the aircraft, Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance could fly him direct to the Bristol Heart Institute in just eight minutes.

After the incident, Neil’s mum and wife Sue made contact with our aftercare service, providing updates on his treatment, which included eight days in ICU in a medically induced coma before being woken. A few days later, he was moved onto a ward in the Heart Institute to continue his recovery.

Neil was finally discharged home on Monday 20 October to continue his recuperation, not only for his heart, but also a fractured collarbone and multiple fractured ribs. Aftercare support was provided by our paramedic and aftercare manager, Louise Cox, who was able to pass on these messages to the crew who attended and later arrange for a visit to the airbase.

In December 2025, Sue and Neil were able to come to our airbase and meet with George, Maria and Matt. 

Sue said: “I will be forever grateful to the team from the air ambulance. Our lives changed in an instant and without the skill, expertise and determination of Maria, Matt and George, Neil would not be with me today and for that I can never thank you enough."

Louise said: “It was fantastic to welcome Neil and Sue to the airbase. Reuniting them with the team who responded to the incident and cared for Neil was an emotional experience.

“It is so valuable to have the opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding of the care that was delivered and decisions that led to that prolonged resuscitation and time on scene.

“It’s also great for Maria, Matt and George, as they could find out about the care which came after their handover in Bristol and the wonderful news that Neil’s recovery has been such a positive one.”

Our Aftercare Support service is available to anyone connected with an incident attended by our team, helping to assist with any queries that may remain after the event, signposting to support services and coordinating visits to the airbase where these are appropriate.

One in four of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity incidents are for cardiac emergencies like Neil’s. As a Charity, it is only thanks to people like you that we’re able to provide our lifesaving critical care for people in the community. 

If you’d like to support Sue, Neil and the Charity, please donate to Sue's JustGiving page.