A MAN whose heart stopped for eight minutes is urging people to help the charity that saved his life.
David Swift, from Helston, was airlifted to hospital by the Cornwall Air Ambulance after he collapsed at work.
The 62-year-old, who is a former town councillor, woke up in hospital 18 days after suffering a massive heart attack. He is now appealing for people to get involved in the charity's Fund a Flight Week this September.
Mr Swift was at work at the bacon-slicing plant Tulip Ltd, in Pool, where he inspected meat and supervised the
unloading of lorries, in April last year. He said he was fit and active and could not have imagined he was about to suffer a major heart attack.
A colleague trained in first aid was able to start CPR while an ambulance and the Cornwall Air Ambulance sped to the scene. He said: "So many things came together on that day which meant I survived: my colleague knowing CPR, the land ambulance being nearby, the expertise of the teams who treated me at (the Royal Cornwall Hospital at) Treliske and Derriford (Hospital, Plymouth), and the speed of the air ambulance. It was incredible. I was so lucky."
His wife, Sue Swift, also a former town councillor of 19 years, added: "If the air
ambulance had not been there, David would be dead.
"I have to say, the whole of critical care at Treliske were excellent. We couldn't speak too highly of the care he
received."
The couple volunteer for Cornwall Air Ambulance, and are taking part in the charity's annual fundraising Fund a Flight Week from September 22 to 28. They are raising money by selling daffodil bulbs throughout their local area.
Mr Swift added: "The first thing I wanted to do when I left hospital was help the Cornwall Air Ambulance. Without it, I wouldn't be here. It really is as simple as that.
"Now we want to do our bit, to make sure the air ambulance is there for other people in their moment of need.
"That's why we're getting onboard with Fund a Flight Week, and we're hoping other people from across Cornwall will do their bit."
The couple will be selling their bulbs at local venues and they will also be on sale at the air ambulance shop in Coinagehall Street, in Helston.
To get involved with Fund a Flight Week, call 01637 889926 or see www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org
