THE FAMILY of a Bournemouth woman whose heart stopped beating for more than 10 minutes after a near fatal reaction to an antibiotic say they are “praying” for her recovery.
Singer and sales director Andrea Owen’s life was saved on Tuesday, May 24, by dentist staff and first responders after a severe reaction to an antibiotic before a routine implant procedure caused her to suffer an anaphylactic shock.
Andrea, 37, went into cardiac arrest in the reception area of 740 Dental in Christchurch Road and was immediately given treatment by staff who called the emergency services.
Her heart stopped beating for between 10 to 15 minutes before it was restarted by paramedics and she was rushed to Bournemouth Hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.
Boscombe resident and Andrea’s partner of nine years Steve Richardson says he and her family are “devastated” by the incident.
He told the Echo: “When I heard what happened I was at work in Wimborne, I got in the car and came down and when I arrived it was carnage – two ambulances, police cars, all sorts going on.
“The people at the dentist were amazing, they did everything you could have wished for to look after your other half in a situation like that.
“It was life or death and we’re still in a situation where she hasn’t come off the sedation. It really is touch and go and there is potentially some brain damage that has been caused which is devastating. It’s a frightening position for us all to be in and it’s really hard to say where we are.”
740 Dental owner Dr James Coupe was among those at the practice who administered immediate aid to Andrea. He and his staff were described as “incredible” for their quick actions.
Dr Coupe told the Echo: “This was a once in a career incident, a freak of nature and it was very traumatic for my staff. But I'm very proud of how they responded and would also thank the ambulance and hospital staff who were amazing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Andrea and her whole family.”
Andrea was due to start a new job on Monday, June 6, and her brother Ian has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds to aid her recovery and help cover her bills. Nearly £750 has been donated so far in just a few days.
She is also an accomplished musician and often tours the south west with Steve as an acoustic duo under the name Richie ‘N Me.
While the family await further results assessing future implications for Andrea’s health, they remain optimistic.
Steve added: “I’ve not got Andrea at the moment so it is quite painful and lonely. But her family and friends have all rallied around so I’m grateful. I won’t sit in a corner crying because that won’t do her any good.
“We have a great life together. She’s funny, smart, very beautiful, outgoing and a great singer. She is the life and soul of the party and really is everything you’d ever want in a partner.
“We all miss her and want her back, she’s left a big hole in all of our lives and are hoping and praying for the best.”
To help Andrea, visit gofundme.com/f/help-parents-visit-my-sister-in-hospital for more information.
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