People should feel able to give CPR, survivor says

4 hours ago

Craig BuchanSouth East

Helen Warren collapsed when walking to her departure gate at Gatwick Airport

BBC Helen Warren smiling for the camera. She is pictured outdoors with a grass field behind her. — Helen Warren collapsed when walking to her departure gate at Gatwick Airport

A woman who received life-saving help from bystanders when she suffered a cardiac arrest at Gatwick Airport is encouraging others to feel confident giving CPR.

Retired teacher Helen Warren, from London, collapsed when walking to her departure gate in September 2025, prompting two other passengers to begin resuscitation.

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), which airlifted the 68-year-old to hospital, said it was concerned some people might hesitate before touching a woman's chest or clothing to perform CPR.

Warren said: "Without the people who stepped in to help me that day, I wouldn't be here."

Airport-based paramedics and fire crews eventually took over Warren's treatment until the air ambulance arrived.

Warren said: "Every single person in the chain of survival played a role in saving my life.

"If sharing my story helps even one person feel confident enough to step forward and give CPR, it will be worth it."

Chances of survival

GP and broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones, an ambassador for KSS, encouraged more people to learn CPR and feel confident taking immediate action.

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and involves using chest compressions and rescue breaths to help a person if their heart stops beating.

Dr Hilary Jones campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of CPR through his work as a KSS ambassador

Dr Hilary Jones standing on an airfield and leaning on the front of a helicopter. The aircraft has Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex written on the nose. — Dr Hilary Jones campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of CPR through his work as a KSS ambassador

Jones said: "Without immediate CPR and defibrillation, a person's chances of survival fall rapidly with every passing minute.

"The priority must always be preserving life, not worrying about social discomfort."

KSS said it feared modesty concerns could lead to members of the public hesitating before touching a woman's chest or removing a bra so a defibrillator can be used correctly.

Lynsey Grant, a paramedic and the charity's prevention lead, said Warren was "alive today because the people around her recognised what was happening and stepped in without hesitation".

She added: "A bra should never be a barrier to saving a life.

"In a cardiac arrest, doing something is always better than doing nothing."

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