02/06/2026
This amazing story highlights the steps of the Chain of Survival and the early intervention of CPR. Well done to everyone involved. This is why Community First Responders are vital especially in rural areas.
On a quiet Sunday evening in Buncrana, a family’s world changed in an instant. At 5:07pm on Sunday, 3rd May, 2026, a gentleman named Iain suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while visiting Buncrana.
For most people, a cardiac arrest outside of hospital can be fatal within minutes, but on this day, everything that needed to happen, happened.
Ordinary people became lifesavers. Iain’s wife, Jayne, immediately called for help. Nearby
campervan owners stepped forward, raising the alarm with the National Ambulance Service and started CPR. A local man then assisted, continuing the life-saving efforts. They didn't hesitate. They didn't wait. They acted.
At the same time, Buncrana Community First Responders were alerted by the National
Ambulance Service. Within just two minutes of receiving the call, responders were on scene. An
AED was immediately placed on Iain. CPR continued. Two shocks were delivered.
Then came the moment everyone hopes for, Iain began to show signs of life.
Responders provided rescue ventilations to support his breathing and remained by his side,
monitoring and caring for him until the National Ambulance Service arrived.
From there, Iain received specialist post-resuscitation care in hospital.
Just 19 days later, he walked back through his own front door.
Home to his wife. Home to his family. Home to his life.
Today, Iain is recovering well and adjusting to life with his newly fitted internal defibrillator, but he knows that without the actions of those around him that evening, he may not be here to tell his story.
In his own words;
"Quite simply.. YOU ALL SAVED MY LIFE."
Iain has requested that his story be shared on our social media channels and has given his consent for this publication, not only to thank those who helped him, but to highlight the importance of learning CPR and Community First Responders. The photo below was taken just three weeks before Iain's cardiac arrest, showing Iain and Jayne after completing the hike to the top of the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye.
His survival is proof that the Chain of Survival works:
❤️ Early Access
❤️ Early CPR
❤️ Early Defibrillation
❤️ Early Advanced Life Support
❤️ Early Post-Resuscitation Care
✨Every link matters ✨
To the neighbouring campervanners,
To the local man,
To the Buncrana Community First Responders,
To the National Ambulance Service crews,
To the hospital teams,
And to Jayne, who stood by Iain's side every step of his journey, kindly keeping our team
updated throughout his recovery.
THANK YOU ❤️
Because of your actions, a husband, family member and friend is still here today.
This is why CPR training matters.
This is why Community First Responders matter.
This is why every second counts❤️
CFR Ireland National Ambulance Service (NAS) NAS Community Engagement Irish Heart Foundation Donegal Democrat / Donegal Live Inishowen Credit Union Derry Journal Highland Radio: News, Sport & Obituaries
