The prompt treatment of a pilot who suffered a cardiac arrest seconds after landing his light aircraft in Wiltshire is being credited for saving his life.
Bystanders at Oaksey airfield, near Malmesbury, went to the aid of the 63-year-old man after he reportedly slumped over the controls.
While paramedics and the air ambulance were on route they gave the man CPR while he was still in the aircraft.
Great Western Ambulance said the pilot was making a good recovery.
'Textbook case'
An ambulance service spokeswoman said the man had been feeling unwell at the controls of his aircraft on Sunday afternoon but was able to land safely before collapsing.
"While paramedics were on their way the bystanders gave good quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the patient despite the difficult conditions in a small aircraft.
"This was a textbook case of how good quality CPR in the first vital minutes of a cardiac arrest, backed up by professional clinicians and rapid transport to hospital all combined to give the patient the best possible chance of a successful outcome.
"The latest information is that the patient is awake, talking to his relatives and making a good recovery, which is excellent news."
- Published15 December 2010
- Published10 December 2010
