A PATIENT who 'died' for two minutes said he was “very, very lucky”, as he met the two paramedics who saved his life.

Robert Penn, 61, called for an ambulance after he started feeling “a terrific amount of pain” at his home in Coggeshall on June 15.

The ambulance crew - Alison Long and Jennifer Armstrong - immediately realised he had suffered a heart attack.

Thankful- Robert just wanted to say a big thank you to the paramedics. Gratefuful - Robert just wanted to say a big thank you to the paramedics. (Image: Claudia Bradley)

They were on their way to the specialist cardiothoracic centre at Basildon Hospital when Robert had another heart attack on the A12.

Jenny and Ali pulled over to perform CPR and use the defibrillator at a petrol station while they called for back-up.

Robert “fought” his way back and they got him to Basildon Hospital where he underwent open-heart surgery.

After recovering in hospital for three days, Robert returned home to rest.

He has now been reunited with Ali and Jenny by the Gazette.

Robert told them: “My perspective on life is totally different.

“I’m just very, very lucky. Lucky that you two arrived.”

Hugs- There were big hugs all round as everyone reflected on the eventful night. Hugs - There were big hugs all round as everyone reflected on the eventful night. (Image: Claudia Bradley)

He grew emotional several times during the meeting at Chelmsford ambulance station on Wednesday.

He said: “It was four weeks ago now. It makes me think about my family, and what their life would be like now with me not there, and then it brings it all back.”

Jenny, a prehospital nurse, and Ali, an emergency medical technician, were delighted to see Robert looking healthy.

Jenny said he was “one of the lucky ones.”

She said: “While it did go a bit pear-shaped on the A12, everything actually all came together and we got support there as soon as we needed them.”

Ali said: “We’re very lucky to be able to save somebody’s life. It’s not something that everybody gets the opportunity to do.

“It’s a really lovely positive thing to do and it makes the job worthwhile.”

Healthy- Robert is recovering well and the paramedics were happy to see him with colour in his face, as he should be. Healthy - Robert is recovering well and the paramedics were happy to see him with colour in his face. (Image: Claudia Bradley)

Robert and wife Kim presented them each with a large bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates.

Robert said: “The help was indescribable. I just want to say thank you.

“It’s great that I’ve managed to meet these lovely ladies and thank them for saving my life.”