A CO Armagh man has told of how the "odds were against me" after he suffered a cardiac arrest on his doorstep as he urged people to learn CPR.
Ryan Nelson (43) from Lurgan said "CPR really made the difference" to his survival after he collapsed outside his home unexpectedly last August.
The father-of-three, who had been fit and healthy and who loved his football and being outdoors, was unconscious and unresponsive at the scene.
His 15-year-old son Corey alerted the emergency services and the controller at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) talked the teenager through lifesaving CPR.
He relayed the information to their neighbour Michael McLoughlin, who worked on Mr Nelson along with another neighbour and nurse, Siobhan Totton.
NIAS road ambulance paramedics arrived, followed by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team on the NI Air Ambulance and a defibrillator was used to shock Mr Nelson's heart.
The HEMS team were able to provide further critical care treatment to him within minutes of arriving before he was transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast for further treatment and care.
"I’ve heard that only 1 in 10 people suffering a cardiac arrest outside of hospital survive, so the odds were against me," said Mr Nelson.
"CPR really made the difference, and I would like to encourage everyone to learn about CPR and familiarise themselves with defibrillators, as you never know when it could be needed.
"I will be forever grateful to the chain of people involved in saving my life that day.
"The quick response from my family, neighbours, paramedics, and the HEMS team was critical and I am extremely fortunate to come through this ordeal."
Mr Nelson was fitted with an omplantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD device) and is recovering well and slowly adapting to life.
His wife Vivienne also said: "I heard of cases where the air ambulance crew have been needed on the news or on social media, but you never ever think it will happen to you.
"Ryan was a normal healthy 43-year-old with no previous health issues or problems.
"Witnessing a cardiac arrest has been the most traumatic experience my family have ever had. But if not for the chain of events that day Ryan wouldn’t be here now.
"I am forever grateful to everyone involved that day and in particular to the HEMS team for the lifesaving treatment they provided on my doorstep."
The family were so grateful to the HEMS team at Air Ambulance NI that they launched a 'Mission Critical' fundraising appeal, which has included a spinathon, raffles and taking part in the Belfast City Marathon.
Mrs Nelson said they wanted to thank everyone who has been "incredibly kind and generous" and helped them raise over £17,339 for the charity.
