London Ambulance Service paramedic help firefighters resuscitate their colleague in cardiac arrest

A paramedic from London Ambulance Service has been awarded a special commendation medal after helping to save the life of a firefighter who went into cardiac arrest during a training session for major incidents.

London Ambulance and North West Ambulance paramedics Robbie Paton and Erika Corless were in the right place at the right time at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s training ground in Bury.

One of the firefighters fell ill, and whilst being assessed, went into cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops beating and pumping blood and oxygen around the body. It’s an immediately life-threatening medical emergency which requires fast intervention from bystanders.

The paramedics worked with the fire service team to provide swift and effective chest compressions to the patient.

Paramedic Robbie Paton, who works in the Resilience and Specialist Assets Special Operation Response Team at London Ambulance Service, said: “Erika received a call from the main gate advising that a firefighter was unconscious and in need of medical assistance.

“We agreed to leave our students and while en route to the patient, Erika and I rushed back to our vehicles to collect a defibrillator and a response bag.

“On our arrival the firefighter was dazed but conscious. During my assessment and whilst awaiting for an emergency ambulance the firefighter deteriorated.

“I began chest compressions as the patient had stopped breathing on his own and required immediate interventions – his face was very blue.

“Firefighters and I then took it in turns to perform chest compressions and counted each other in.”

An ambulance quickly arrived. Due to the swift action of the paramedics and firefighters, the patient regained consciousness and was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Robbie added: “The firefighters who assisted were very shocked by it all. They were working on one of their own colleagues but it is great that we were able to achieve such a positive outcome due to immediate CPR.

“It’s incredibly important that everyone knows how to do CPR and use a defibrillator. These skills are very simple to learn and can save someone you love.”

The efforts of the two paramedics have been recognised with a commendation medal at a prestigious awards ceremony at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Dave Russel, Chief Fire Officer at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We were incredibly grateful to be able to recognise the life-saving actions of Robbie Paton and Erika Corless when, with the assistance of Greater Manchester firefighters, they resuscitated a firefighter who had gone into cardiac arrest.

“Robbie’s and Erika’s calmness and management of the situation demonstrated their utmost professionalism for which we are so thankful. Their services should be immensely proud. We cannot thank them enough for bringing back to life one of our colleagues.”

London Ambulance Charity’s Heart Starters campaign aims to put 200 defibrillators into areas of the capital that need them most.

Help us raise money for our Heart Starters campaign on our dedicated London Ambulance Charity website here or join us for the next London Life Hike on 27 September to raise money for this vital cause.

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