Phillip’s Story

SOUTH WOODHAM MAN THANKS LIFE-SAVERS

Members of the community, ambulance service and Essex Air Ambulance met the man they collectively helped to save after he went into cardiac arrest.

Maintenance manager Phillip Hannam was taken ill whilst working at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hyde Hall near South Woodham Ferrers last December. First on the scene was SWF First Responder Danielle Banfield who was joined by ambulance crew Graeme Lamb, Paul Harrison and John Davey. Once the helicopter arrived Air Crew Doctor Zane Perkins and Paramedic Laurie Philipson helped Dr Perkins formulate a clinical plan.
Treatment included cooling to preserve the brain and prevent further damage, and a procedure to treat heart attack.

Philip was anaesthetised to enable safer treatment, then flown to Basildon hospital in less than 5 minutes. Wife Phyllis was with her husband on the journey. Philip, who was in hospital for a week has since returned to work part-time. Phillip said: “Obviously there’s been a certain amount of emotion, and it’s been really good to meet with all the team and thank them personally”.