"My Heart Stopped, But My Community Didn't – Dave's Story"
By Josh Bell, Schools and Charitable Correspondent
In a remarkable tale of resilience, rapid response, and the power of community, local firefighter Dave is alive today thanks to quick-thinking loved ones, emergency services, and a life-saving defibrillator.
One ordinary day turned into a fight for life when Dave suddenly collapsed at home without warning.
His heart had stopped. But Sue, his partner, acted instantly — starting CPR while calling for help.
Dave’s fire service colleagues rushed to the scene and joined forces with ambulance crews, bringing with them the one thing that could restart his heart: a defibrillator.
What followed wasn’t just a rescue — it was a display of love, courage, and teamwork.
Against the odds, Dave's heart was shocked back into rhythm. Today, he is not just a firefighter and father — he is a survivor.
“This wasn’t luck — it was love, training, and community response,” said a spokesperson for Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare, the local charity behind more than 100 community-access defibrillators in the area.
According to UK statistics, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. But when CPR is started immediately and a defibrillator is used within 3–5 minutes, survival chances can skyrocket to 50–70%.
As Professor Graham Stuart, Clinical Lead Ambassador for Donate For Defib WSM, told BBC Radio Somerset:
“Early CPR and accessible defibrillators make a life-changing difference. Defibrillators need to be like fire extinguishers — we should have just as many, just as close.”
Dave’s powerful story has now been captured in a short film by Ian Phillips Photography, showcasing the raw emotion and real-time urgency that saved his life. It’s not just a story — it’s a call to action.
Visit: https://donatefordefibwsm.co.uk/cardiac-arrest-survivor-stories/
GET INVOLVED — BE A LIFESAVER
You can make a difference. Donate For Defib WSM is calling on local people and businesses to:
Support awareness and training in your area
Sponsor or host a defibrillator
Learn CPR
Let’s protect more lives in Weston-super-Mare and beyond. Every second counts.
Contact us today: donatefordefib.wsm@gmail.com. 07749 036032 (Defibrillator On-Call Phone)
https://donatefordefibwsm.co.uk
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FOLLOW our mission to protect lives
TAG a friend who should learn CPR today
Let’s make Weston-super-Mare heart-safe. Together.
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