Former Welsh rugby star Nick Williams had a miraculous escape from death when he suffered a cardiac arrest in a friend’s garden in September 2022. The ex-Cardiff Rugby player was found collapsed on the patio by his friend Jason Redrup, who immediately sprang into action. Jason, a retired policeman, performed CPR on Williams before emergency services arrived, ultimately saving his life. Williams was technically dead for a few minutes before being revived and taken to the hospital by an air ambulance.
Williams, who retired from rugby two years before the incident, initially thought he was concussed and had been injured playing rugby when he woke up in the hospital. It was a startling revelation for him to learn that he had actually suffered a cardiac arrest. The event was described as a near-miracle, as the survival rate for cardiac arrests outside of the hospital is only one in 20 in Wales. Jason’s quick thinking and CPR skills played a pivotal role in Williams’ survival, despite the odds being stacked against him.
Jason Redrup, who had performed CPR on three previous occasions without success, demonstrated the importance of being prepared for such emergencies. He emphasised the significance of taking immediate action and highlighted the life-saving potential of CPR. Williams, grateful for his friend’s intervention, acknowledged that without Jason’s quick response, he might not have survived the cardiac arrest.
Following the incident, Williams met with the paramedics and air ambulance crew who had assisted in saving his life, expressing his gratitude towards them as the real heroes. He recounted the events leading up to the rescue, highlighting the role Jason played in administering CPR before the emergency services arrived. Williams, reflecting on the experience, admitted that coming to terms with what had happened was challenging but emphasised the importance of being grateful for each day.
The British Heart Foundation Cymru is now promoting a 15-minute online course called ‘RevivR’ to equip more people with the necessary skills to handle similar emergencies effectively. Williams, who represented various rugby clubs during his career, including Blues, Munster, Aironi, Ulster, and Cardiff, now recognises the value of life and cherishes each day. He attributed his survival to Jason’s timely intervention, acknowledging that without his friend’s actions, the outcome could have been tragically different.
Williams’ story serves as a reminder of the critical role that CPR and immediate response play in saving lives during emergencies. Jason Redrup’s swift action and CPR expertise underscore the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations that require quick intervention. Williams’ journey from the brink of death to recovery is a testament to the life-saving potential of basic first aid skills and the impact of timely intervention in critical situations.