By Jonathan Coles via SWNS
This is the moment an “angel” nurse was reunited with a retired pilot – whose life she saved while off duty.
Rachael Lewis, 25, gave CPR to Chris Mills, 77, after finding him unresponsive and without a pulse near a shopping center in Chatham, Kent on October 12.
Rachael, who works at Medway Maritime Hospital, spent several minutes giving Chris aid – ultimately helping to save his life following signs of cardiac arrest.
Chris was later taken by ambulance to Medway Maritime, where he is making significant strides in his recovery.
And the pair were reunited on October 17 amid emotional scenes, as Chris, his wife Brenda and daughter Michaela personally thanked Rachael for her efforts.
Through teary eyes, Chris, from St Mary’s Island, Kent, said: ‘’The word amazing doesn’t do it justice – it makes me very emotional to think about what Rachael did for me.
“I am truly grateful for her life-saving actions – she is certainly an angel.‘’
‘’I am awaiting further tests to confirm my absolute diagnosis, but I look forward to returning home soon.
“All the hospital staff are fantastic – it’s really been a five-star experience and I thank everyone who has helped rescue me, notably Rachael.’’
Rachael, a former A&E nurse who currently works in nursing education as a clinical practice facilitator, said: ‘’Chris is making a great recovery and looking so well – I’m really happy to see him and give him a hug.
“I let out a little cry when I heard he was going to be ok and I feel very proud to have helped.
‘’To me, as a nurse, this is just something that we do and it is part of our job, although it is unusual to be involved in something like this outside of hospital.
“I have an instinct to help people, and through a combination of adrenaline and training, we were able to deliver effective CPR to help save Chris’ life.’
‘’I want to thank my partner who is CPR-trained, and all the members of the public that stopped to help us, alongside colleagues from the emergency services.’’
Chris’ wife, Brenda, added: ‘’We were so very lucky that Rachael was passing.
“She immediately took over, and made sure CPR was being administered properly while the ambulance was on its way.
“If it wasn’t for Rachael’s quick actions and the wider care of the NHS, Chris wouldn’t be here today.’’
According to The British Heart Foundation, there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) a year in the UK where emergency medical services attempt to resuscitate the victim.
However, the survival rate is low at less than one in 10 people.
