A teenager has been praised for his role in saving his father's life after the 55-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest at their home in Sedgefield. Thomas Raw, 16, called 999 when his father Philip began experiencing chest pain, which initially seemed like heartburn but turned out to be a heart attack.
On August 5, 2026, Philip was at home with Thomas when the pain started. Shortly after the first ambulance crew arrived, Philip's condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest. Thomas stayed on the line with the emergency services and later guided the crew to the house.
Reunion with ambulance team
Following a strong recovery, Philip and Thomas met members of the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) team who attended the 999 call to thank them. Only one in 10 people survive to return home from hospital after a cardiac arrest, and every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by approximately 10%.
Philip said: "I initially thought it was heartburn and took a tablet, but when the pain came back, I knew something wasn't right. That's when I asked Thomas to phone an ambulance. I remember him speaking to the health advisor and answering questions. The pain was getting worse and I just kept asking how long they would be."
Quick thinking and calm response
Thomas said: "I think instinct just kicked in when Dad became unwell and I knew I needed to call 999. I tried to stay calm, listen to what the health advisor was telling me and answer their questions so we could get Dad the right help as quickly as possible. When the ambulance arrived, I went outside so the crew could see where they needed to go. I'm just glad I was there and able to help Dad when he needed me."
Health advisor Marina Block, who answered Thomas's 999 call, said: "Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, so it's important to call 999 if you think someone is seriously unwell and follow the advice you're given. Thomas did a brilliant job. He stayed on the line, listened carefully and helped us make sure his dad got the help he needed."
Philip added: "When Thomas said the ambulance crew had arrived, he ran out to get them and that's when I collapsed. I believe that's when my heart stopped and the crew started CPR."
Crew praises teenager's bravery
Paramedic Adam Hall, who formed part of the initial ambulance crew alongside apprentice ambulance support practitioner Emily Thomas and student paramedic Eleanor Toogood, said: "Philip had suffered a heart attack and, shortly after we arrived, his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest. We immediately started CPR and lifesaving treatment to give him the best possible chance of survival. Every second counts in a cardiac arrest, so recognising it and starting treatment quickly is incredibly important."
Ambulance support practitioner Elizabeth Jackson, who arrived with the second crew alongside paramedic Oliwia Malecka, said: "It must have been an incredibly frightening experience for Thomas, but despite everything happening around him, he showed remarkable bravery and maturity. It was a real privilege to be there for him and his dad, and we're incredibly proud of the part he played that evening."
Philip's care continued at James Cook University Hospital, and he has since made a good recovery, returning to everyday life and enjoying time with his family. Paramedic Oliwia Malecka said: "We wanted to recognise the important part Thomas played that evening in getting help for his dad. It was lovely to meet them both again in very different circumstances and see Philip doing so well. We don't always get to see our patients again after an incident like this, so bringing everyone back together was really special."
Philip said: "I just want to thank them for saving my life and for the work they do every day. I'm so grateful to them all. If I'm honest, I try not to think about it because I realise how lucky I was. If it wasn't for my son Thomas and the ambulance crews, I wouldn't be here to tell my story."
