Crawley man reunited with life-saving ambulance team over two years after near-fatal aortic tear

A Crawley man who survived a life-threatening torn aorta has been reunited with the ambulance team who helped save his life over two years on.  

With around 20 per cent of patients with acute aortic dissection not surviving before reaching hospital, and up to 50 per cent before reaching a specialist centre, Christopher Chan knows just how lucky he is.

Christopher recently visited South East Coast Ambulance Service’s (SECAmb) Gatwick Make Ready Centre as staff marked the site’s 10-year anniversary, meeting some of the crew who responded when he collapsed at work in 2023.

On 25 October 2023, Christopher was working at Crawley Town Hall when he suddenly became unwell. His manager called 999 and Emergency Medical Advisor, Sarah, picked up the call.

“When Christopher’s call came in, it was immediately clear how serious the situation was,” Sarah said. “You rely on the information you’re being given and your training to make fast decisions and in cases like this every second really matters. Seeing him here today is really rewarding to see the difference we have all made.”

Gatwick-based Operational Team Leader, Chris, Paramedic, Holly and Student Paramedic, Angela, were quickly dispatched to the scene.

 “Christopher was extremely pale when we arrived and it was clear this was a very serious situation,” Chris said. “Although he wasn’t experiencing the kind of chest pain you might expect with a heart attack, his ECG was showing concerning signs and we knew he needed urgent care.”

The team took Christopher to Royal Sussex County Hospital, where he later underwent a complex 19-hour operation to repair his aorta.

Now, over two years on, he continues to recover from both the physical and psychological impact of the incident. Returning to thank the team in person was a significant milestone in that journey.

Christopher said: “That day changed my life completely. I don’t remember much from the moment itself, but I know the care I received made all the difference. Although it has been a long and challenging recovery, to stand here three years later and meet the people who helped save me is really special.”

Speaking at the reunion, Christopher’s partner Brian added: “We didn’t know if Christopher would survive that day. The crew gave him a chance and we’re just so grateful to be here to say thank you.”

“I remember this incident clearly still and how unwell Christopher was when we arrived,” Angela said. “Moments like this stay with you so to see him recovered enough to come back and thank us in person is really special.”

The heartfelt reunion took place as staff at Gatwick Make Ready Centre celebrated 10 years since the site opened, highlighting the vital behind-the-scenes work that keeps ambulances on the road and the real lives changed by every emergency call.

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