East London Man Shocked Back to Life After Heart Stops
A Plaistow dad defied death after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest — and being shocked an incredible 26 times with a defibrillator. This week, 47-year-old James Ronan met the lifesaving paramedics who pulled him back from the brink at West Ham Ambulance Station in a heartwarming reunion.
Paramedics Battle to Save James’ Life
James was enjoying dinner with his stepdaughters when sharp chest pains hit. As his condition worsened at home, wife Veneta dialled 999. Moments later, James collapsed — his heart had stopped.
Ambulance crews arrived fast and delivered critical treatment. Alongside thrombolysis to dissolve dangerous blood clots, the team stunned James’ heart with 26 defibrillator shocks in a desperate bid to restart it.
“I felt unwell when we got home, and then I lost consciousness,” James recalled. “The crews worked on me for over an hour. It wasn’t until much later I found out how severe it was. I was literally a dead man.”
Rushed to St Bartholomew’s Heart Attack Centre, surgeons inserted stents to open blocked arteries. Remarkably, James pulled through and began a swift recovery.
Joyful Reunion with Lifesavers
This week, James returned to West Ham Ambulance Station to thank the heroes who saved his life.
“They were fantastic,” James said. “I’ll be forever grateful. It’s unbelievable what they did for me.”
Wife Veneta added, “He was in so much pain, I had to call an ambulance. My daughter was screaming. I didn’t even know if he’d survive.”
Paramedics Praise Defibs and Public Action
Andy Parker, Advanced Paramedic with London Ambulance Service, hailed James’ survival as a miracle of teamwork and technology.
“James survived thanks to incredible on-scene teamwork. It’s rare to need that many shocks but proves how vital early defibrillation and CPR are. James is living proof that defibrillators work.”
Andy also urged more public access to defibrillators, praising the London Heart Starters campaign aimed at boosting availability.
Defibrillator Shortages Put London Lives at Risk
The campaign’s recent research revealed 150 London neighbourhoods suffer from limited defibrillator access — costing lives. James’ own borough of Newham lists 14 priority areas urgently in need, including Beckton North, Forest Gate, Plaistow South, and East Ham.
Ready to Get Back on the Road
Now on the mend, James is excited to return to work as a lorry driver.
“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel,” he smiled. “Every day now feels like a gift.”
