Shepton Mallet cardiac arrest survivor reunited with lifesavers
By Laura Linham 13th May 2026
A Shepton Mallet man who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at home has been reunited with the people who helped save his life.
Peter Brine collapsed at his home in Shepton Mallet on 21 November 2025, just after 4pm.
His wife Sue found him on the floor and called 999.
Guided by the call handler, she began CPR in the crucial first minutes before help arrived.
Nearby GoodSAM responder Adam Spencer was alerted through the GoodSAM app and arrived first on scene, taking over CPR.
Ambulance crews from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust then arrived and continued advanced treatment before Peter was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Peter was put into an induced coma, had a stent fitted and spent eight days on the critical care ward.
He was later transferred to the Bristol Heart Institute for further care and rehabilitation, before being discharged on 16 December in time for Christmas at home.
On Friday, 17 April 2026, Peter, Sue and their daughter Paula attended an emotional reunion at Shepton Mallet Ambulance Station.
They met Adam alongside SWASFT clinicians Amanda Johnson, paramedic, Scott Matthews, emergency care assistant, and George Pemble-Vincent, paramedic and area head of volunteering and community services.
Peter said: "I don't remember anything from the day itself, but I know I wouldn't be here without the incredible actions of everyone involved.
"Meeting Adam, Amanda, Scott and George has been very special for me and my family.
"I am just so grateful — thank you doesn't feel like enough."
Sue said the day had been the most frightening experience of her life.
She said: "The 999 call handler guided me through CPR, and then Adam arrived so quickly — it gave me hope when I needed it most.
"To be able to meet him and the crews in person and say thank you is something I'll never forget."
Adam said: "You never expect to meet the people you help in these situations, so being able to see Peter well and reunited with his family is incredibly rewarding.
"It's a reminder of why schemes like GoodSAM are so important."
SWASFT said the case showed the importance of early CPR and community responders.
George Pemble-Vincent said the GoodSAM app connects trained responders to nearby cardiac arrests within moments of a 999 call being made.
He said: "Every second counts during a cardiac arrest.
"By alerting trained members of the public who can begin CPR before ambulance crews arrive, the app is helping to save lives and improve patient outcomes."
He added that anyone with CPR skills can register as a GoodSAM responder, with no expectation to carry equipment.
Peter and his family now hope their story will encourage more people with CPR training to sign up to the GoodSAM app and support their local communities.
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