Essex Community Wellbeing Officers save woman’s life in Colchester

In an emotional reunion last week, Essex Community Wellbeing Officers Oliver and Keaton Eccles met Jade, the woman whose life they helped save earlier this year.

On April 15, Jade collapsed and stopped breathing while shopping in Colchester. Nearby shop staff and members of the public immediately called 999. Community Wellbeing Officers Ollie and Keaton, along with ambulance crews and the air ambulance, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

Ollie and Keaton were first to arrive, and, working closely with the CPT team, they administered life-saving CPR. Their prompt response played a crucial role in saving Jade's life. Jade later received a diagnosis of CPVT (Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia), a serious heart condition that often leads to sudden death in young people.

Reflecting on the incident, Jade expressed deep gratitude: “Without Keaton and Ollie, I would not be here today. My son would have lost his mum, and my family’s lives would be drastically different.”

Ollie and Keaton, who are part of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s  (ECFRS) partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), respond to a range of emergency calls. Their role includes attending to cardiac arrests and conducting Home Safety Visits to protect vulnerable residents.

Speaking after the reunion, Ollie and Keaton described it as a "surreal" experience. “Jade’s survival is a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing lifesaving skills. We’re incredibly grateful to have played a part in her journey.”

To raise awareness, the management at Lion Walk Shopping Centre, where the incident occurred, organised a free public event for Restart A Heart Day. The event included CPR demonstrations and instructions on using defibrillators, further emphasising the importance of quick, decisive action during emergencies.

Claire Monk, Live Safe Manager at ECFRS, praised Ollie and Keaton for their dedication, highlighting the value of the collaboration between Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and EEAST in saving lives.