First ECMO survivor thanks London medics

Mel Baker, 52, from Somerset, has become the first survivor of a new life-saving system involving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) at St Bartholomew's Hospital in the City of London. The system allows paramedics direct access to specialist teams and equipment without first going to an Emergency Department.

Baker collapsed with a cardiac arrest on her way home after watching a friend participate in the London Marathon two years ago. Her daughter, Nichea, 26, described the event as 'really scary' and was concerned she was alone when her mother fell to the floor. Paramedics and police officers were the first responders, restarting Baker's heart.

New Protocol for Cardiac Arrests

The new protocol enables paramedics to contact the nearest ECMO centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, to inform staff of an incoming patient. ECMO functions as an artificial heart and lungs, supplying oxygenated blood to vital organs while medical professionals treat the underlying cause of the arrest. Without this direct access, Baker's survival was unlikely, according to her daughter and medical staff.

Keir Rutherford, Advanced Paramedic in Critical Care, stated that timely intervention is key to maximising survival chances during a cardiac arrest. He credited Baker's survival to the 'fast actions of those who responded', including paramedics, police officers, and clinicians at St Bartholomew's. Rutherford added that the London Ambulance Service is committed to clinical innovation to improve patient care.

Baker and her daughter recently met with the emergency crews who saved her life at London Ambulance Service's Waterloo HQ. Baker expressed her gratitude, saying, 'They saved my life. Their response was absolutely amazing. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be stood here today. I cannot thank them enough.'