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St John volunteer and members of the public have been presented with Chief Ambulance Officers awards for their live-saving actions.
Jackie Pattimore, Ashley Matthews and Christina Bacon, who all work for the States of Guernsey have been presented with the Chief Officers Recognition of Performance award for their actions earlier this year when they worked together to save the life of a member of the public who suffered a cardiac arrest while visiting their workplace at Edward T Wheadon House.
Jackie who is a St John volunteer and youth leader with the charity and a first aider in her work place was called to assist a gentleman who had collapsed in the doorway. It soon became apparent that the man was not breathing.
Whilst Jackie’s colleague, Facilities Manager Christina Bacon, called the ambulance and fetched the defibrillator, Jackie commenced CPR assisted by Ashley, who works at the premises as a security guard. Jackie attached the defibrillator and delivered a shock to the casualty.
Together they continued CPR until a Community First Responder and Firefighters from the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, who co-respond for the Ambulance Service, arrived to assist prior to the arrival of Ambulance clinician’s, who took over the treatment of the patient.
Due to quickly recognising that the patient had stopped breathing, by administering prompt and effective CPR and by delivering an early shock from the AED, the efficient team effort by Jackie, Ashley and Christina resulted in saving the gentleman’s life.
Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “When someone collapses, becomes unconscious and stops breathing it is important that someone recognises a cardiac arrest, calls 999, starts CPR and attaches a defibrillator if one if available. These are the first steps in the chain of survival and can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. Thanks to their training and prompt actions Jackie, Ashley and Christina were able to make a difference when it really matters. I would like to congratulate them on their actions.”
The patient, who has made a good recovery has since been back to visit Jackie, Ashley and Christina to thank them personally for the treatment they gave him in his time of need.
Jackie said: “It means a lot to receive this recognition, but it is also a good feeling to know we made a difference to someone’s life on that day. Although you train for the worst case scenario, you hope
you will never have to put those skills into practice. I am so pleased that thanks to the training I have received at St John I was to help in this case and I would really encourage everyone to learn first aid and particularly CPR.”
Police Constable Adam Perrium has been presented with the Chief Ambulance Officers Commendation for his exemplary actions which resulted in him saving the life of his father earlier this year.
One evening during the summer Adam was off duty and had taken his dog for a walk on L’Ancresse Common, accompanied by his young son and his father.
Whilst walking along a section of open ground, away from any housing or roads, unfortunately and without any warning Adam’s father went into cardiac arrest.
Adam quickly identified what was happening and immediately summoned medical support, whilst simultaneously commencing extremely effective CPR. Adam continued to carry out CPR for in excess of 10 minutes whilst medical help was on its way. Whilst this was all going on, Adam remained calm and provided reassurance to his young son who was witnessing the incident.
Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “This would have been extremely stressful, emotional and physically tiring situation for Adam, who was in a remote part of the island, but he demonstrated excellent tenacity and professionalism whilst he continued to deliver effective CPR until assistance arrived.”
Due to the high standard of CPR administered over a substantial period of time and following more advanced treatment provided by paramedics, Adam’s father was successfully resuscitated and is now making a good recovery.
Adam’s calm and efficient actions were personally witnessed by a fellow police officer who came to the scene as a volunteer Community First Responder.
Mark Mapp added: “Both the paramedics and the doctor in the Emergency Department commented that the chance of survival in these cases of cardiac arrest are very rare and that Adams actions had no doubt saved his father’s life. By delivering prompt and effective CPR oxygen levels to the vital organs can be maintained, improving the chances of the patient making a good recovery, which is why is it so important that people learn CPR and have the confidence to use it, if someone collapses and stops breathing normally.”
Adam said: “I would encourage everyone to learn CPR. It is something we train for as police officers, but you don’t expect to have to do it to someone close to you, however statistically the chances of knowing the person who has a witnessed cardiac arrest are high, so having the skills and knowledge to know what to do can make a real difference to someone you love.”
