Paramedic expresses gratitude to patient and nurse for playing a vital role in his survival

Shaun McBride, an ambulance worker, expressed his deep gratitude towards a patient and a nurse who saved his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest. The incident occurred while McBride was preparing to transport Tommy Stewart, a 72-year-old amputee, from Glen O'Dee Hospital to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Stewart, who was strapped into the vehicle, managed to call for help when McBride suddenly collapsed. Nurse Freya Smith-Nicol performed CPR until an ambulance arrived. Two months later, those involved had an emotional reunion at the small community hospital in Aberdeenshire. McBride, who works as a care assistant with the ambulance patient transport service, collapsed right after securing Stewart into the vehicle. Stewart, unable to reach the horn due to being strapped in, repeatedly called for help until a hospital caterer heard him and alerted Nurse Smith-Nicol. She immediately recognized something was wrong and expressed shock when she found McBride unconscious on the ambulance ramp. Smith-Nicol, along with other team members, performed CPR on McBride for 25 minutes until the ambulance arrived. They used a defibrillator seven times to revive him. Upon reaching the hospital, McBride was placed in an induced coma in intensive care but managed to recover. He has now been fitted with a defibrillator and hopes to return to work soon. During the reunion, McBride expressed his eternal gratitude to Stewart and Smith-Nicol, stating that he wouldn't be alive without their quick actions. He also advised people to appreciate each day as one never knows what the future holds. Smith-Nicol described it as a team effort and expressed relief upon hearing that McBride had recovered. The two later met at a wedding and even shared a dance. Stewart remains modest about his role in the incident and credits Smith-Nicol and the rest of the nurses for their assistance. McBride considers himself fortunate to not only have a second chance at life but also to have gained two lifelong friends. Stewart, in turn, describes McBride as a good buddy and plans to include him on his Christmas card list.