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The importance of life-saving CPR hit the headlines recently, following the sudden collapse of Danish footballer, Christian Eriksen. Express took the opportunity to revisit a story closer to home, when two civil servants' immediate actions saved the life of a co-worker.
Jon Williams suffered a cardiac arrest back in 2018, while at work at Frossard House. His co-workers Colin Vaudin and Chris Welsby used their instincts and training to deliver CPR - an intervention that ultimately saved Mr Williams' life.
“None of us were expecting it and we both acted instantly,” said Mr Vaudin. “Most people froze. We were very fortunate that we had people who got up and went for it."
Pictured: “You spend a second looking at each other, and then you go, let’s get on with it,” said Mr Welsby, on taking action.
Mr Williams said he couldn’t be more grateful that there were people around him trained in CPR.
“I was incredibly lucky that there were people around who could actually do something,” he said.
It’s a simple skill that anyone can learn, says Mr Vaudin, but it could make the difference between life and death.
“Yes you’ve got doctors, yes you’ve got medics, but it’s that moment when you don’t… I encourage everybody to get trained in CPR,” he said.
“The earlier you intervene in a cardiac arrest, the better the outcome,” agreed Mr Welby.
Pictured: Danish footballer Christian Eriksen is now recovering in hospital, after collapsing suddenly during a European Football Championship match. The actions of his teammates and paramedics helped to save his life.
CPR training doesn’t just give you the tools to help in an emergency situation, it also gives you the confidence to act, something which Mr Williams said is essential.
“When you need to do it, do it. If you don’t do anything it’s only ever going to get worse,” he said. “If you do something, you might save a life.”
“It’s a very scary environment,” said Mr Vaudin. “What CPR training does is give you the courage to get on and try.”
Pictured: Mr Vaudin and Mr Welby both received the Chief Officers Recognition of Performance Award from St John after saving Mr William’s life.
CPR training can be organised for free through the Cardiac Action Group. It’s available to anyone and more information can be found HERE.
Additionally, St John Guernsey delivers first aid training to students in schools, with a first aid programme supported by the John Ramplin Charitable Foundation.
The training involves CPR, among other first aid situations, including burns, bleeding, and how to raise the alarm.
Pictured: CPR is simple to learn with training and could save a life.
CPR needs to be given until help has arrived, and a medical professional has told you to stop.
Mr Williams wanted to assure anybody with training that doing something is always better than doing nothing - even if you do break a few ribs.
“I was delighted to go around shaking the hands of people who hurt me, because they saved my life!”
Pictured top: Chris Welsby, Jon Williams and Colin Vaudin.
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