A WOMAN who suffered a heart attack in the back of her car had her life saved by a veterinary receptionist who used her CPR skills for the first time in 30 years.

Now doctors have called Jane Gale’s survival “a miracle”.

Mrs Gale was taking her pet rabbit for routine treatment at the Aniwell Surgery in Alderney, Poole. But she never made it inside.

As husband Dick drove into the car park, his wife suffered a cardiac arrest.

Mr Gale explained: “She began choking and I realised straightaway that it was a heart attack because she has a pacemaker. I shouted out for help.”

It was then that receptionist Sue Kennell and her colleagues sprang into action in helping to carry Mrs Gale, 72, out of the car, calling the emergency services.

Sue, 53, who lives near the surgery in Ringwood Road, administered CPR.

She said: “I had the door open as it was a sunny day and he called over to say could I call an ambulance. I went out myself and because I have done CPR before I knew what to do and did it until the ambulance got there.

“They told me to carry on going while they got set up and at the end of that she started breathing and took gasps.

“I didn’t ever dream that she would make such a good recovery. I’ve not used it for 30 years.

“Everyone should know how to do CPR – it should be taught in schools because it could be your wife or children.”

Mr Gale, 76, of Herbert Avenue, told the Echo: “Without doubt, what they did saved her life. They were amazing. We are so grateful to them.”

He added: “Doctors at Poole Hospital said that her case was a miracle because people who suffer such a major trauma outside of hospital don’t often survive.”

Mr Gale also thanked the ambulance crew, A&E staff and nurses and doctors on the Sandbanks ward.

“Thank God, she is still with us,” said Dick.

Jane who is now home and fully recovered said: “I don’t remember a thing about it. I had to be told what happened and I couldn’t believe it.

“It was incredible and I am so grateful to them for that fact that I am still here.”

She added: “It just goes to show if you can’t be near a hospital, then be near a vet!”

Mrs Gale said that family rabbit, Musty, was none the worse for the experience.