That was when SARS arrived.

“When every parent’s worst nightmare happened to us in May 2023, SARS very much came to the rescue,” Albert’s mum recalled. She was abroad at the time, consumed with guilt and fear as she received the terrifying call. Reassurance came swiftly, not just in the form of highly trained responders, but as a calm, steady voice on the phone from a SARS clinician.

Colin, Pete, and Justin were first on the scene. Their advanced training and composed demeanor made a vital difference that night. One of the volunteers - Justin, a consultant anaesthetist - was fully prepared to place Albert into an induced coma if necessary. Thankfully, that wasn’t needed, but the capability speaks volumes about the level of medical intervention SARS responders can provide.

“They were absolutely in control from the moment they arrived... they made sure Albert was stable and ready for the ambulance to take him to Addenbrooke’s,” said his mum. Equally remarkable was how the team managed to comfort and inform the entire family - father, sister, and grandmother - helping them process the unfolding trauma with clarity and compassion.

SARS volunteers assist the East of England Ambulance Service, and their unique ability to blend clinical excellence with human empathy is the reason Albert, now eight, is back to leading a joyful, normal childhood.

“In my mind, they are real life Super Heroes,” his mum wrote.  Annabel admits she had not heard of SARS before this incident but was quick to point out that “All would be forever grateful that if they ever needed them, wonderful people like Colin, Pete, Justin and the SARS team are there to quite literally save you. Thank YOU!!!”

At SARS, stories like Albert’s remind us why we do what we do. Our volunteer clinicians often arrive at the most distressing moments in people’s lives - but thanks to their skill and dedication, along with your support and donations - those moments don’t have to end in tragedy.