A Teignmouth man has been reunited with a South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) crew member who helped save his life.
Peter Grimsey, now 68, collapsed while training in a pool at Dawlish Leisure Centre on 16 April 2025. After the quick actions of trained lifeguards on site and the immediate availability of a defibrillator, Peter received four shocks before ambulance crews arrived. Peter was then given a further three shocks and once stable, was conveyed to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Peter spent a total of one month and one day in hospital and underwent extensive hospital assessments. He was diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy – a condition affecting the heart muscle and its electrical system and later received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Now home and on the road to recovery, one year on from his cardiac arrest, Peter hosted what he calls his “re-birthday”. He returned to Dawlish Leisure Centre for a commemorative swim alongside friends and had the opportunity to be reunited with Emergency Ambulance Associate, Colin Shepherd, who was part of the ambulance team that responded to him.
Peter said; “It was fantastic being able to meet Colin today. Having the opportunity to be reunited with someone who helped save my life is really special.
“I’ve had to recalibrate my life, I can’t dive or play underwater hockey anymore, but I’m back swimming with friends and finding new ways to stay active. I’ve even taken up Tai Chi and picked up my guitar again after 50 years.
“I would not be here today if it wasn’t for Colin, the other ambulance crews and the lifeguards. I am so thankful to them all.”
Colin Shepherd, Emergency Ambulance Associate at SWASFT said; “Situations like Peter’s highlight just how critical early intervention is, the presence of trained lifeguards and an accessible defibrillator made all the difference. By the time we arrived, the chain of survival was already well underway, and that gave Peter the best possible chance.”
“Seeing Peter again, healthy and thriving is exactly why we do this job. It was a pleasure to attend Peter’s celebration and get to speak with him under much better circumstances. I wish Peter all the best for the future.”
Now adjusting to a new way of life, Peter has become a Trustee of Teignmouth Lido Community Trust, where he also completed much of his rehabilitation. Recently, he requalified as a pool lifeguard and completed a Trainer/Assessor course, enabling him to teach future lifeguards.
Peter added; “I owe my life to people who were CPR trained and prepared. If I can help train the next generation, then that feels incredibly meaningful.”
Peter hopes his story will encourage more people to learn lifesaving skills and support access to defibrillators in community spaces.
To find out more about free CPR and defibrillator training from the South Western Ambulance Service, visit https://www.swast.nhs.uk/cpr-and-defibrillator-training
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