First aider saves life of heart attack pensioner

FIRST aider David Field has been thanked for saving the life of a pensioner who suffered a heart attack.

David was on his way to work when he saw Fred Perkins behind the wheel of his crashed car.

He dragged the 78-year-old from the wreckage in Midland Road, Cirencester, and began chest compressions before the ambulance arrived.

Mr Perkins, who has now returned home after five weeks in hospital, said he has no doubt David's efforts saved his life.

David, who is a divisional officer at Staverton branch of St John Ambulance, has now been nominated for a Royal Humane Society award by Gloucestershire Police for his actions.

Mr Perkins said: "It was about 8.30am and I had been to the sorting office to collect a parcel.

"I remember driving away towards the fire station and then I don't remember any more.

"It goes without saying that I am incredibly grateful for what David did and that goes for my whole family. His actions helped save my life."

David said that when he saw Mr Perkins' crashed car he immediately knew he had to offer help.

"There were a couple of other people on the scene but I went into the car and saw there was someone there," he said.

"I couldn't get a response so pulled him out of the car and began CPR. The ambulance then arrived and shocked him four times before we got him back. Staff at the hospital said that me starting CPR saved him."

David recently went to see Mr Perkins, who is now recovering at his home at The Beeches, Cirencester, following the accident in June.

Now Mr Perkins, a member of the town's Rotary Club, has pledged to highlight the importance of learning first aid skills and raise the profile of Community First Responders – a joint scheme between St John Ambulance and Great Western Ambulance Service – who provide early patient care before the arrival of an ambulance.

The Rotary Club and Inner Wheel group have invited first responders to give a demonstration at Stratton Show on Monday, and David will also be attending a meeting of Cirencester Rotary Club to outline why his skills are so vital.

Mr Perkins said: "I am keen to see more people learn about first aid skills and how they can save lives."

Paramedic and Community Responder manager Kevin Dickens said: "In a medical emergency, seconds count.

"Survival rates increase if basic care is applied within the first few minutes before an ambulance arrives.

"That is where community responders can make a real difference."

Volunteers must be over 18. For an application pack to become a Community First Responder call 01452 753184, or for an informal discussion, call St John Ambulance on 01452 858220.