Mother Credits CPR for “Second Chance” at Life and Motherhood

At the age of 18, Kylie Jillings, a mother from Lowestoft, Suffolk, nearly lost her life due to brain swelling. Her survival was solely attributed to paramedics administering CPR, shortly after she had given birth to her first child. Now 37, Mrs. Jillings expressed profound gratitude for receiving a “second chance” at motherhood. She is currently advocating for individuals to overcome their apprehension about performing CPR, citing St John Ambulance research that revealed one-third of the population is hesitant to administer CPR to women due to concerns about touching their breasts. In 2006, shortly after the birth of her daughter, Mrs. Jillings was hospitalized. The brain swelling resulted in complete body paralysis, necessitating CPR during her surgical procedure. “It took a lot out of me,” she stated. “I didn’t care [what they did] as long as they got me home to my baby.” She added, “I was just glad to be home and have a second chance of being a mum – she was only two weeks old when I went into hospital.” Reflecting on the experience, she noted, “I missed a big chunk [of her life] and then I had a chance to do it again.” Mrs. Jillings expressed her belief that individuals hesitate to perform CPR on women because they worry “about too many things.” She emphasized, “Really they should be focused on trying to save that person – that should be the priority.” She continued, “Just think about that woman’s family and that woman. Try to get her back home to her family.” She concluded her appeal by stating, “You only get one shot at life. Don’t take away someone’s chance at living. If you can help get that person home to their family then please try.” In 2019, Jon Regester, 59, also a resident of Lowestoft, contributed to saving his female neighbor’s life by performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Despite his profession in cardiac rehabilitation, Mr. Regester had no prior experience administering CPR but stated he “didn’t hesitate” when the situation arose. He recounted, “I continued to do the CPR on her while I had my phone on to the emergency services.” He added, “They talked me through it and then another neighbour appeared, and they were urging me to take turns because it can be tiring.” Paramedics deployed a defibrillator, after which Mr. Regester’s neighbor regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital. Mr. Regester described the event as an emotional and surreal experience, acknowledging his understanding of the St John Ambulance research, which indicated that some individuals might feel uneasy touching women and also lack the general confidence to perform CPR. However, he clarified: “You haven’t got to take their clothes off. You can do it through their clothes, and when [the paramedics] come and shock [the patient] you can stand aside.” He asserted that there was “no shame” in being afraid to perform CPR, yet he urged people to “just try to do what you can.” Nikki Banks, 50, a first aid instructor from Brandon, Suffolk, is affiliated with the charity Bra Off Defib On. This organization aims to normalize the practice of removing bras during CPR to facilitate the use of a defibrillator. She characterized the St John Ambulance research as “quite frightening.” She further commented, “I do think sometimes men are worried going to women, and that’s possibly where it’s come from.” CPR training often utilizes dummies modeled on male physiques. However, an increasing number of female-based dummies are being produced, and Miss Banks noted that trainers can also acquire chest pieces to attach to them. During her training sessions, Miss Banks explained that she places various types of bras on dummies to accustom participants to removing them in preparation for defibrillator application. “You just don’t know unless you know,” she remarked. She emphasized, “The fact is you’ve got to get the defib pads on skin.” She observed, “Everybody has so far been very professional about it and saw it for what it was – as lifesaving stuff.” Miss Banks advised anyone performing CPR to contact 999 for procedural guidance. She assured, “They’ll put your mind at ease.” She concluded, “They’re very calm-natured people. They could teach a five-year-old.” For additional Suffolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Details on their approach to external linking are available.