Sunday, March 15, 2026

‘It was a normal evening before my daughter had a cardiac arrest aged 7’

Jayne Biggs and her husband experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when their daughter, Emily, suddenly collapsed at home. The 14-year-old was playing in the backyard when she suddenly fell to the ground and stopped breathing. In a matter of seconds, their world turned upside down.

Without hesitation, Jayne and her husband sprang into action, knowing that every second counted in this life or death situation. They quickly called 911 while Jayne began performing CPR on her daughter. Her husband ran to get the defibrillator they had purchased just a few months ago, hoping they would never have to use it.

For seven agonizing minutes, Jayne and her husband performed chest compressions and administered shocks from the defibrillator, desperately trying to keep their daughter alive. It felt like an eternity, but finally, the paramedics arrived and took over. Emily was rushed to the hospital and miraculously, she survived.

The Biggs family’s story is one of bravery, resilience, and the power of quick thinking and preparedness. Jayne’s knowledge and training in CPR, along with the availability of a defibrillator, were crucial in saving her daughter’s life. But this wasn’t just a stroke of luck – it was the result of proactive and responsible parenting.

As parents, we often think that accidents and emergencies won’t happen to our children. We take all the necessary precautions, but the truth is, we can never be too prepared. Jayne and her husband’s experience is a reminder that we should always be ready for the unexpected.

In an interview, Jayne shared that she and her husband had taken CPR classes and purchased a defibrillator after a close family friend passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest. They never thought they would have to use it, but when the time came, they were ready. Their quick action and knowledge saved their daughter’s life, and now, they hope to inspire other parents to do the same.

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone should learn CPR, as it can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival in cardiac emergencies. It is a crucial life-saving skill that can be learned in just a few hours. In addition, having a defibrillator at home can significantly increase the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Jayne’s story is a testament to the importance of being prepared and having the necessary skills and equipment to handle emergencies. It also highlights the need for more awareness and education on CPR and the use of defibrillators in the community.

Today, Emily is a healthy and active teenager, thanks to the heroic actions of her parents. Jayne and her husband’s quick thinking and preparedness are a reminder that we should never underestimate the importance of being ready for emergencies. Their story serves as an inspiration for all parents to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their loved ones.

In a world where we often hear about tragedies and unfortunate events, the Biggs family’s story is a ray of hope and a reminder that with the right knowledge and actions, we can overcome even the most challenging situations. So let us all take a lesson from Jayne and her husband and be prepared for the unexpected – because you never know when that knowledge and preparedness might just save a life.

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