A grandmother of 22 who 'died' for an hour last Christmas is looking forward to some festive family fun this year, thanks to the medics who saved her life.
Jeanette Trebilcock was at home in Eastleigh with her husband, daughter and six of her grandchildren on December 29, 2023 when she suffered a cardiac arrest.
The 60-year-old remembers nothing of the Christmas celebrations, waking up in hospital in Southampton in 2024 with an internal pacemaker fitted and no memory of her dramatic collapse.
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READ MORE:But she knows she wouldn't be here without the medics who treated her.
"I can't thank them enough," Jeanette told the Daily Echo. "Without them I would not be here, and I can say that with 100 per cent certainty.
"I'm now trying to do everything I can to prolong my life. I've got so much to live for and I don't want my little grandchildren to lose their nan at this age, so I'm trying to do everything positive.
"Thinking about it is very emotional. It's made me very nervous and scared, particularly in the run up to Christmas."
Jeanette's only warning of what was to come was a headache during the day. Shortly after dinner, she started shaking uncontrollably and collapsed - her lips turning blue.
After calling 999, husband Frank began CPR on his wife of six years, joined by a medically trained friend and neighbour.
Five minutes later a road ambulance crew arrived and took over CPR, with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance doctor and specialist paramedic team on their way, landing in a nearby sports field.
Jeanette was in cardiac arrest for almost an hour with no pulse or heart rate, but faint eye movements gave medics a glimmer of hope.
The air ambulance crew administered medication at the scene and inserted a breathing tube into her airway. Almost an hour after the 999 call, the team managed to restore Jeanette’s heartbeat and travelled with her by road ambulance to continue her care.
The mum of four, a former carer and school cleaner, will be having a quiet Christmas, followed by dinner out for 40 on the anniversary of the day she collapsed.
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