'My husband had cardiac arrest while we were driving at 70mph on dual carriageway'
Elly Chalmers had to take control of their car when her husband Stevie suffered a cardiac arrest while driving at high speed on a dual carriageway in Cambridgeshire.
Stevie Chalmers experienced a cardiac arrest while driving on a dual carriageway at 70mph, creating a life-threatening situation for both him and his wife, Elly, who was in the passenger seat. As Stevie became unresponsive, Elly quickly realized the seriousness of the situation and instinctively took hold of the steering wheel to prevent a potential collision with a nearby lorry. In a matter of moments, she had to shift her focus from planning their weekend getaway to managing a crisis that could have been fatal.
Elly reported that the last clear memory she had was chatting with her husband before he suddenly slumped against the window and made a strange sound. The abruptness of the event left her in shock, screaming in despair as she instinctively guided the vehicle away from danger. Fortunately, her quick thinking and quick reflexes helped avoid a more serious accident, showcasing the importance of remaining calm under pressure.
The incident highlights the unpredictability of health crises and underscores the need for proper awareness and training in emergency situations. Elly's experience serves as a reminder of how moments can change dramatically, and how crucial it is to be prepared for emergencies that can arise during everyday activities such as driving. This story has drawn attention to cardiac health awareness and the potential for CPR training to save lives in critical moments.