Christian Harmon, 51, was enjoying a morning bike ride with friends in March 2024 when a cardiac arrest nearly cost him his life.
The group had covered nearly 27 miles as part of their training for the Etape Loch Ness – a 66-mile cycling challenge they planned to complete in Inverness the following month. They’d just stopped for a coffee at Barton Marina and were making their way back when Christian began to feel unwell. Moments later, he collapsed onto the road in front of an oncoming car.
Fortunately, the vehicle managed to stop in time. Christian’s friends quickly acted, placing him in the recovery position and calling for an ambulance. As traffic began to build, a cardiac nurse from Good Hope Hospital, who had just finished a night shift, felt compelled to check the scene. Realising instantly that Christian was in cardiac arrest, she began CPR and enlisted the help of two of his friends who were first aid trained.
The ambulance arrived and promptly used a defibrillator, and, after one shock, Christian’s heart began to beat again. Still confused and attempting to get back on his bike, Christian was stabilised and prepared for transport. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s team arrived shortly after and took over Christian’s care before accompanying him in a land ambulance to Royal Derby Hospital. During this journey, Christian had another cardiac arrest, with the team providing on-the-go care as they continued into the hospital.
There, he underwent surgery and had three stents inserted to unblock his main artery. Christian spent three nights in hospital before returning home to begin his recovery journey – both physical and emotional.
Christian said: “I was later told I’d been dead for 10 minutes. The care I received that day, from everyone involved, absolutely saved my life.”
Two months later, he began cardiac rehabilitation and slowly regained his strength. Though it took time, he eventually returned to cycling and even re-entered the Etape Loch Ness – this time raising money for the very charity that helped save him, the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Christian added: “I was lucky enough to be invited to the Cosford Airbase and Headquarters with my family to meet one of the crew members that saved my life. We learnt more about this amazing charity and all the incredible work they do, and I knew I wanted to do my bit to give back to them.”
Christian’s wife, Jo, said: “He was so lucky to have the care he did that day. I’m incredibly proud of how far he’s come.”
Christian added: “I try to look at life differently now, making the most of every moment.”
