Two Cardiac Arrests, One Child Birth, a Stroke and a Choking

All in a day’s work if you’re a Lexus Bristol employee

Whilst most people wouldn’t necessarily question the value of learning first-aid, they would probably find a dozen reasons why they’ve not bothered to do anything about it. “Where do I find the time”, “I’ve never needed it” and “One day I’m sure I’ll learn” would probably ring true for many people.

David and Nigel would disagree.

David Bowden and Nigel Knapp work at Lexus in Bristol, operated by the Sytner Group – Dave was trained by Acorn Health and Safety when he attended our ‘Emergency First Aid at Work‘ course.

On the 8th October 2012, Mr Ray Harding from Frome was visiting the Lexus motor dealership in St. Phillips when he collapsed – David and Nigel rushed to his aid to begin CPR.

They continued resuscitation until a road ambulance crew had arrived, before it was decided that the advanced skills of the Great Western Air Ambulance crew were needed.

Critical Care Paramedic Neil Hooper and Critical Care Doctor Tom James arrived shortly after in a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) and Ray was rushed to the Bristol Royal Infirmary where he spent three weeks before going on to make a full recovery.

In recognition of their efforts, David and Nigel were recently presented with Royal Humane Society Awards. 

Left to Right: Nigel Knapp – David Bowden

Speaking about the incident, David says, “As soon as the Critical Care team of the Great Western Air Ambulance arrived, it was like an air of calm came over the dealership. They took over straight away and everything came together – their presence made a huge amount of difference and we were all grateful to them for their support.”

Critical Care Paramedic Neil Hooper said, “I am delighted to hear that David and Nigel have received awards for assisting with the resuscitation of a patient at the Lexus Bristol dealership where they work.  This recognition is very much deserved as without their early intervention, the outcome would not have been so positive.”

Ray added, “I know I am very fortunate to have survived this incident and want to thank all those involved in my resuscitation and subsequent care in hospital for their tremendous skill and unbelievable dedication to my well-being with all my heart.”

Since attending the course at Acorn Health and Safety, David has assisted with two cardiac arrests, one child birth, a stroke and a choking and we’re pleased to say that everyone involved were dealt with safely and went on to make full recoveries, all thanks to the training that David has received.

Following the incident, David, Nigel and Lexus Bristol have gone on to support the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC)  by giving up their time to volunteer at events and collections.

The GWAAC provide an air ambulance service for the 2.1m people of Bristol, Bath and the surrounding counties and they need to raise no less than £1.5m each year to stay operational.

They are currently trying to raise £250,000 of additional funds for a new Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter, to replace the ageing Bölkow 105 model that it currently uses as part of a campaign called ‘Movin’ on Up’.

A new helicopter would attend to patients four minutes faster, would allow a mother and child to fly to hospital together and would allow more space for the patient, equipment and mid-air treatment. For more information about the campaign, and to donate visit;
www.greatwesternairambulance.com

Gary Knott, Dealer Principal of Lexus Bristol said: “I am very proud of how David and Nigel reacted to the situation and dealt with the incident in a very calm manner at a time when there was a lot of concern from customers and staff within our business.”

Danny Street, Director and trainer at Acorn Health and Safety says; “It’s very rewarding to hear that a life has been saved because of the training Acorn have delivered.  We often talk to our delegates about ‘The Chain of Survival’ and a chain being only as strong as the weakest link. Through promptly summoning help and early effective CPR David and Nigel made a difference, this enabled Doctors and Paramedics to provide advanced treatment on scene and is a great example where proper First Aid saved a life.”

The course on which David acquired the skills to do all of this was the “First Aid at Work” course.

Our next First Aid at Work course dates are; 19th, 20th and 21st February 2014 and then 28th, 29th and 30th April 2014

For more information on the other courses that we provide, you’ll find them here on our website; www.acornsafety.co.uk

Ends.