Hero saves man's life in Chippenham (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hero saves man's life in Chippenham

9:41am Thursday 26th November 2009

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A mystery lifesaver has been praised by ambulance crews after he helped an elderly man who collapsed in Chippenham town centre.

The unknown hero stepped in and immediately started doing “brilliant CPR” on a man in his 70s, who had suffered a suspected heart attack in Market Square.

Great Western Ambulance Service medical crews says the swift treatment of the passer-by was crucial to the pensioner’s survival.

Paramedic Andrew Paget said: “Although we were on scene very quickly, this individual had already started doing brilliant CPR.

“We weren’t able to find out who he was, but apparently he had done a first aid course only about a week ago.

“We would like to thank this person, who has given the patient the very best chance.”

A 999 call was made at 4.18pm on Tuesday last week reporting that the man had collapsed in the town centre.

Ambulance practitioner David Tong in a rapid-response vehicle was on the scene within two minutes, backed-up by Andrew Paget and emergency care assistant Mike Jefferies in an ambulance.

When they arrived the crews took over treating the patient, using a defibrillator to try to regain a regular heartbeat.

The man was then taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

He has since regained consciousness but remains in a serious condition.

Mr Paget added: “This case shows the value of people having basic life-saving skills.”

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