A TEENAGER with no history of ill health who collapsed after suffering a heart attack was saved by the quick thinking and actions of his family, neighbours and the emergency services.

Emmerson Hird last night said he was “the luckiest teenager alive” and thanked the people who saved his life after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

The 17-year-old, of Easington Colliery, in east Durham, is recovering in hospital after the near-fatal emergency in June.

The apparently healthy youngster, who had not seen a doctor for years, collapsed without warning at home.

When his brother, Michael, called 999 he was advised to put Emmerson on a hard surface and carry out chest compressions.

Neighbours John Wood and Kevin and Fiona Kell answered Michael’s calls for help. Mr Kell took Emmerson’s pulse and Mr Wood immediately started CPR.

After a short while, Ian Garrett, the local volunteer community first responder from North-East Ambulance Service (NEAS), arrived and took over the resuscitation.

After giving Emmerson a defibrillator shock to restart his heart, PCs Lucy Oxley, Mark Wearmouth and Terry Hill arrived to help with CPR.

An ambulance crew arrived, quickly followed by a second, and gave Emmerson advanced life support.

Once the teenager was sufficiently stable, he was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, with his pulse growing stronger on the journey.

Mr Garrett said: “It is so wonderful to be able to be involved in saving someone’s life.

“When I got there and saw someone already doing CPR, the training I received certainly kicked in.

“En route to hospital I just kept thinking ‘Come on lad, you can do it’, and when Emmerson was handed over to the hospital I felt that the past 11 years of training was well worth it.

“The feeling when I found out Emmerson had survived was amazing. I feel so proud to be part of a team that has saved someone’s life. That feeling is the best in the world.”

Lynsey McCabe, NEAS community resuscitation manager, said: “Without the help of the emergency call taker, Emmerson’s neighbour John, the first responder, Ian, and the support of the police and the ambulance crew, things could have been very different.

“It is so wonderful to hear that Emmerson is on the road to recovery.”

Emmerson said: “I am so grateful for all the help and support I have received from all of those who ultimately saved my life.

“All of the staff at the Sunderland Royal Hospital, especially those on Ward D41, ICCU and cardiology, they have all been amazing.

“I feel I’m the luckiest teenager alive.”