Life saver is honoured

A DROITWICH man has been honoured for his swift actions to help a woman whose heart had stopped.

Community First Responder Richard Brown was given a commendation at an awards ceremony to honour members of the public who have gone beyond the call of duty to help save lives and support the work of West Midlands Ambulance Service’s 4,000 staff.

The event, which was held at The International Centre in Telford on November 20, recognised the efforts of volunteer car drivers, St. John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation, Community First Responders and other voluntary organisations and businesses.

It also honoured members of staff of West Midlands Ambulance Service who gave assistance to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Spa resident MrBrown found himself first on scene to a collapsed patient in Droitwich.

When Worcester paramedic Simon Edwards got to the scene, Mr Brown was already performing CPR and his defibrillator was also attached to the patient.

Speaking of the incident, paramedic Simon Edwards said: “The patient was indeed in cardiac arrest. Richard’s excellent CPR produced a pulse and respirations.

“The patient steadily recovered on arrival at hospital and she was making attempts to open her eyes, much to the relief of her son who Richard had dealt with so calmly on his arrival.

“He is also one of our patient transport staff, but I can honestly say it was like working with an experienced professional and when you remember that he performs his CFR duties for free - it is most incredible.”

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