The ex-Army veteran recognised the symptoms and leapt into action

A Doncaster health and safety manager helped save his own life using first aid skills he had learned for work after suffering a ‘widow maker’ heart attack.

Army veteran David Murray, 55, recognised the symptoms of a major heart attack and immediately put his training into action, instructing his wife to call 999 and fetch aspirin from his first aid kit while he waited for paramedics to arrive.

David Murray helped save his own life with vital first aid skills. | Iconic

placeholder image — David Murray helped save his own life with vital first aid skills. | Iconic

Now the father-of-one is sharing his story to encourage more people to learn life-saving skills and is backing the release of St John Ambulance’s new-look first aid training programmes.

David, Senior Safe and Well Trainer for construction giant BAM UK and Ireland, first trained with St John Ambulance, England’s leading first aid charity, in 2012.

On 14 March this year, he woke in severe pain and immediately knew something was seriously wrong.

He said: “I had an anterior STEMI heart attack, often known as a ‘widow maker’ which many people do not survive.

“I was short of breath, clammy, grey in colour and my chest was in agony. The symptoms were unmistakable.

“Because of my first aid training, I recognised what was happening straight away and told my wife to call 999.

“I also told her to get aspirin from the first aid kit in my car because I knew chewing an aspirin can help during a heart attack. I genuinely believe that knowledge contributed to saving my life.

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“By the time the paramedics arrived, the pain had started to ease, and I felt my chances of survival were improving. It was terrifying for my wife and daughter. I feel incredibly fortunate to still be here.”

David Bucksley, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Director at BAM UK & Ireland, said: “We are incredibly pleased to see David make a strong recovery and share his story. His experience highlights why ongoing investment in health, safety and wellbeing remains so important.

“At BAM UK & Ireland, we are committed to ensuring our people have the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to respond in an emergency situation, whether they are on site, in the office or at home with their families.”

St John Ambulance’s new approach puts practical experience at the heart of learning, using immersive scenarios, hands-on practice and progressive skill-building.

For more information about St John Ambulance's refreshed First Aid at Work visit shop.sja.org.uk/s/faw2635