“Pull through” – dramatic film proof that defibrillators save lives

I was dead for seven minutes.

The people who were here; the nurse, the doctor, rowers – if it hadn’t been for their help I would never see my daughter or my granddaughter.

Because the people here – and the defibrillator – saved my life.”

On Saturday 13^th August 2011, Ian Hough, 59, a rower with Stourport Boat Club, suffered a cardiac arrest during a race at his home regatta.

At the time, Stourport Boat Club didn’t have a defibrillator (a device which can restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest) of its own. Fortunately for Ian, medical cover was being provided for the event meaning there was a defibrillator on site that day.

Ian has made a full recovery. He continues to row and has a won a number of races and Stourport Boat Club has installed its own defibrillator with the help of West Midlands Ambulance Service who trained its members in its use.

Ian’s story has been turned into a powerfully emotional short film called ‘Pull Through’, produced by his employer drpvideo, to encourage as many clubs, groups, businesses, societies and communities as possible to consider getting a defibrillator.

Ian said:

Had this happened to me on a normal day at Stourport Boat Club, I know I would probably be dead. A cardiac arrest could happen to anyone at any time, in any place. I was lucky that it happened to me during the regatta when there was a defibrillator there. It saved my life.”

Cliff Medlicott, Community Response Manager who also appears in the film said:

I want as many people as possible to see this film and think about getting a defibrillator. ‘Pull Through’ is a compelling reconstruction of what happened to Ian and why he is still alive today. Defibrillators are easy to use, they even tell you what to do. You can get them for as little as £800 and sometimes for free. What price a life?”

‘Pull Through’, produced by drpvideo, can also be seen and shared on YouTube.

SUBMERSIVE
Released by Sub Pub Music
Composed by Michael Maas. Featuring Christine Hals.
Buy: itunes.apple.com/us/album/submersive/id935447008