“You saved my life” – cardiac arrest survivor meets 999 call taker at charity walk

A patient who joined this weekend’s London Ambulance Charity flagship walk met the call handler who answered the 999 call when he collapsed in cardiac arrest last year.

Rob Hutt has recovered so well he was able to join the London Life Hike – a sponsored walk through the most scenic areas of central London.

Also at the walk was James Goddard, the London Ambulance Service call handler who gave the crucial life-saving instructions that kept Rob alive in the minutes before an ambulance arrived.

As they met, the pair hugged before Rob said: “What do you say to the man who saved your life?”

Rob had been running near his home in north-west London, when he collapsed. Passers-by called 999.

When James answered the call, he immediately realised Rob’s life was in his hands.

He said: “The caller said he had stopped breathing – obviously I was worried but my job is to stay calm and give clear instructions.

“The caller was understandably panicked so I was reassuring but took control and told them to give chest compressions.”

The passers-by had never been taught how to do chest compressions – also known as CPR – but James told them where to push on the chest and counted so they kept going at a fast pace.

Chest compressions keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs.

James added: “It is very rare to survive a cardiac arrest but this is what we come to work for – to save lives. I’m elated to be here and meet Rob.”

Dad-of-three Rob said: “I feel so lucky – I still feel like it’s a miracle I’m alive. And my recovery has been really good –  the doctors told me that is down to the quality of the CPR that was given.

“James was with me at the worst moment of my life and it’s thanks to him I’m here today. And I’ve joined the London Life Hike so more lives can be saved.”

So far the London Life Hike has raised more than £13,500. Every penny will go towards installing life-saving defibrillators across the capital and training people in how to save a life.

Defibrillators are easy and safe to use by the public. When someone is in cardiac arrest, a defibrillator delivers a shock to the heart which can restore a normal rhythm.

Fewer than one in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest but through events like the London Life Hike, the London Ambulance Charity is aiming to improve outcomes.

Before setting off on their 21km or 6km journeys that took in breath-taking views of famous London landmarks, ‘Life Hikers’ took part in CPR training and other educational activities at a vibrant event village in Southwark Park.

There were children’s activities and the crowds were delighted when Ambi the London Ambulance Service mascot arrived and joined the fun.

Volunteers from the Historic Collection showed visitors the impressive exhibit showing how the Service has developed over the century.

Some of the specialist – and most exciting teams – including cycle and motorcycle paramedics and the tactical response unit, were at the event to explain their roles to the public.

London Ambulance Service Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “Thank you to everyone who supported us on this beautiful autumn day.

“It’s been inspirational to meet patients who have joined us to help in our mission to improve cardiac arrest survival rates across London.

“Every year London Ambulance Service crews go to over 14,000 cardiac arrests and we know that the efforts of our ‘Life Hikers’ will help us save more lives.

“Anyone can learn the simple skills to give someone a chance of life. By learning what to do, people will have the confidence to step up when it really matters.”

You can still support the walkers of the London Life Hike and make a donation to the Heartstarters campaign by visiting: www.londonambulancecharity.org.uk/donate/heartstarters. To register your interest for the London Life Hike 2026 please email [email protected].

The event sponsor Mazuma ensure that all the money raised from the London Life Hike will go towards improving health outcomes for our communities.