What began as a magical summer evening at Kynren – An Epic Tale of England became a life-or-death drama of its own when audience member Brian fell suddenly and seriously unwell midway through the show.
The first people to reach him were not medics, but members of Kynren’s volunteer Experience Team, who immediately recognised the severity of the situation.
They raised the alarm, comforted Brian’s wife Elaine, and guided the Kynren volunteer First Aid team, who arrived within moments and began urgent initial treatment onsite.
CIPHER Paramedic Sandy and Emergency Care Assistant Nicola were close by and responded immediately as part of the robust onsite medical provision.
“I would like to pay tribute to our amazing volunteer First Aid team who provided the crucial early intervention that stabilised Brian before he was transferred to CIPHER’s ambulance crew,” said Kynren CEO Anna Warnecke.
“Their speed, skill and calm professionalism quite literally helped save his life.”
Once stabilised by Kynren’s volunteers, Brian was taken by CIPHER Medical’s ambulance team to James Cook University Hospital.
Paramedic Sandy and Emergency Care Assistant Nicola provided further care en route, where Brian suffered two cardiac arrests. Both times, advanced life-support and defibrillation brought him back.
“Everything happened so quickly,” said Elaine, “The volunteers, the medical team, CIPHER — everyone acted instantly.
“Sandy and Nicola brought Brian back to life twice. I can never thank them enough,” she added.
Behind the scenes, Volunteer Event Operations ensured the ambulance could exit swiftly even as thousands of guests were leaving the site — another small but vital part in the chain that saved a life.
Last week, Brian returned for an emotional reunion with his rescuers, affectionately calling them his ‘Jolly Green Giants’.
He also donated £500 to Embers as part of his personal fundraising challenge — saving his 99th and 100th hugs for Sandy and Nicola.
“This was teamwork at its very highest level. Volunteers, medics and operations all worked seamlessly so Brian could go home to his family,” said Kynren’s Dominic McIntyre.
Brian now plans to return in 2026 to finally watch the finale he missed — thanks to the volunteers who were there when he needed them most.