Jacqueline Alston, who survived a cardiac arrest, meets the police who helped her recover
Ongar: A woman named Jacqueline Alston had a terrifying experience when she suffered a cardiac arrest while driving. It happened back in May, and she crashed her car into a telegraph pole.
Her heart actually stopped for over an hour! But thanks to some quick-thinking police officers and good Samaritans, she made it through. It’s pretty incredible when you think about it.
Jacqueline’s husband, Gary, couldn’t believe she survived. He said, “Nobody survives a stroke and a cardiac arrest.” It’s like something out of a movie, right? Just unbelievable.
Two bystanders, Andy and Adrian, helped pull her out through the sunroof. Meanwhile, community officers Sgt. Fitt and PC Baggley rushed to the scene. They really jumped into action.
When they got there, they cut away Jacqueline’s clothes and started CPR. A medic named Mark Johnson was also on hand with a defibrillator. Talk about teamwork!
Jacqueline ended up on life support at Basildon Hospital, and her family was really worried. But after four days, she started talking again, which was a huge relief.
After a long recovery, she finally got to go home to Braintree in December, just in time for Christmas. What a gift that must have been!
Sgt. Fitt said it was amazing to hear Jacqueline was conscious. When he visited her home, it felt surreal to see her with her family for the holidays.
He even got a bit emotional when she thanked him during their reunion last month. It’s moments like that that really stick with you, especially on tough days at work.
