A SALISBURY dad, who suffered a life-threatening medical emergency while running on a treadmill, has been reunited with the team who saved him.

Rob Chowdhury was competing with his children on the machine to see who could run one kilometre the fastest while at his home in February.

But, without warning, the 44-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest, lost consciousness and stopped breathing.

Rob’s family called 999 straight away, and with the help of operators, gave him chest compressions, which helped to restart his heart.

He has gone on to make a "remarkable" recovery.

Now, two months on, Rob and his family made a special visit to Salisbury Ambulance Station recently to thank members of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) team who responded to the family’s call.

“I am incredibly lucky to be alive," said Rob.

"If it hadn’t been for the speed, experience and professionalism of the paramedic crew who responded to the 999 call, I undoubtedly wouldn’t be here today. My family and I will be eternally grateful.

“My visit to the ambulance station really helped me and my family to understand what happened. My children who were still struggling to process the events found the visit both reassuring and fun.”

The paramedic team praised the family for their quick and effective actions on the day of the emergency.

Ben Channon, who was the first SWASFT Paramedic to treat Rob, said: “Thanks to the early recognition of the emergency by his young sons, the immediate and effective fundamental life support delivered by his wife, and the calm advice given by the clinical hub team – we were able to successfully resuscitate Rob, and restore a normal cardiac rhythm with two shocks delivered by a defibrillator.”

After he was taken to hospital, Rob went from strength to strength, and returned home with an internal defibrillator intended to stop a repeat scenario.

Ben added: “The team were exceptionally proud to be a link in the chain to Rob’s survival despite all odds. They were very pleased to have the chance to explain events to the family in a much happier environment. The children were delighted to have a tour of the emergency response vehicles and impressed the team with their recently learnt knowledge of the heart. We wish Rob and his family all the best in their road to a full recovery.”

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest: call 999 immediately, begin CPR, and use a public access defibrillator if one is available.