Other runners initially placed him in the recovery position, but off‑duty PC Vicky Howick, who was taking part in the event, realised something was badly wrong. "She was able to start CPR straight away and use the parkrun defibrillator, which ultimately helped save my life. PC Howick recognised that David was displaying agonal breathing, a key indicator of cardiac arrest. She immediately called for the Parkrun defibrillator and began CPR with another runner, continuing chest compressions until paramedics and Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance crews arrived. Another officer, PC Nick Slade, went to David’s home to inform his wife Jackie about what had happened.