Mum-of-two Polly Abrey from Croydon had an emotional reunion with her rescuers.
In November 2023, Polly, now 50, was left critically ill at home due to the tear in her aorta, which carries blood from the heart around the body.
This led to a swift 999 call from her husband, Stuart, bringing several London Ambulance Service crews to her aid.
(Image: London Ambulance Service)
Polly’s blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs were alarmingly low.
Helena Bolton, a paramedic with 23 years of experience, said: “They were the lowest I’ve ever seen on a person that’s still alive.”
The paramedics suspected sepsis, based on Polly’s condition and medical history.
They worked quickly to stabilise her and rush her to Croydon University Hospital.
There, Polly underwent multiple scans and tests, which revealed the tear in her aorta, likely resulting from a pre-existing weakness in her aortic wall.
She was then transferred to the specialist heart and cancer centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Stuart recalled: “At the hospital, someone came out, sat me down and explained that it did not look good and said ‘we’re probably going to lose her’.
“That’s when I fainted.”
Polly survived the surgery but was expected to remain in a coma for a few days.
However, she was in a coma for almost three weeks.
Upon regaining consciousness, she had lost much of her mobility, but her recovery is progressing well.
Meeting emergency medical technician Luc Allsop and paramedic Helena, who were part of the team dispatched to save Polly, was an emotional moment for the couple.
Polly said: “I don’t remember huge amounts from my time in hospital but I do have strong memories and flashes from the day it all happened.
“I remember how reassuring the paramedics were and I’m so grateful for that.”
Police officer Stuart added: “I know from my own job that often the work paramedics do can go unrecognised.
“From our family’s point of view, thank you will never be enough.
“We could easily be having a very different conversation if things hadn’t worked out.
“Thankfully due to your expertise and critical care – she’s still here and that’s the best thing we could ever have hoped for.”
Polly’s life-threatening condition has left an indelible mark on her family, but they are profoundly grateful to the paramedics for their life-saving intervention.