Professor Douglas Chamberlain CBE passed away peacefully on 22 May 2025, aged 94. He was one of the giants of resuscitation medicine — the founder of Europe’s first paramedic unit, a co-founder of the European Resuscitation Council and Resuscitation Council UK, and a man described by the College of Paramedics as “the grandfather of paramedicine.” We are grateful to have had the opportunity to record this conversation with him in 2019. You can read more about his life and legacy on our Douglas Chamberlain page.
In season one’s finale, episode 30, Paul talks with the legendary and world-renowned cardiologist Professor Douglas Chamberlain CBE.
Douglas is now aged 88 and started his journey into medicine in 1935 when as a 4-year-old he visited his doctor and saw something that intrigued him. From that point, he takes us through many humorous anecdotes of his life in resuscitation.
This includes being at the inception of many important innovations for cardiac arrest survivors and many others who’ve ever called for emergency medical help.
He talks about his research into beta-blockers, the formation of Europe’s first paramedic unit, the deployment of AEDs into public locations and ultimately into the hands of laypersons with the formation of CFRs.
A fascinating journey through Professor Chamberlain’s life as a doctor in cardiology and more importantly for survivors, resuscitation.
He also busts a common resuscitation myth.
Available to listen on the link below or Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube and your favourite podcast player.
If you enjoyed this podcast please do leave a positive review on Apple or other podcast providers as it helps us to spread the word.
Presented by Paul Swindell and edited by Matt Nielson.
Recorded December 2019.
After our first meet-up in February 2015, I realised I was not alone. It was the first time since my cardiac arrest the previous year that I had spoken face-to-face with someone who had experienced what I had. This was also true for my wife, who also happened to be my lifesaver. From that meet-up, the idea of SCA UK was born. Since then, we have achieved a considerable amount, primarily providing information, resources and support to others in a similar situation but also raising the profile of survivorship and the need for better post-discharge care. We are starting to get traction in this, and with the formation of the charity, I genuinely believe we have a bright future ahead and will make a significant difference in the lives of many who join our ranks.
1 thought on “A life of lifesaving with Professor Douglas Chamberlain (1931–2025)”