Holiday Turned Upside Down By Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Talented Scottish country dancer Amy banner had her holiday turned on it's head when her good friend Richard's heart stopped. Only days before she had taken a first aid course, and was immediately called upon to put her skills into action.
July 22, 2012
Dance enthusiast Amy Nichole Banner had her holiday turned upside down when her dancing partner Richard's heart stopped. His friends had already noticed "the colour drain from his face" and rushed over to help.Amy was first on the scene and quickly established that Richards's heart was not beating. As a mere coincidence she had completed a 3 day first aid course just days before and because of this knew the correct CPR ratios. From this point onwards she took the role of group leader in what would need to be a heroic team effort:
"It was important that we gathered enough first aiders to take turns in the CPR cycle. I knew that we were in a secluded location, and that the ambulance would take some time to arrive. I took the role of organising everyone. We decided that one person should focus on the compressions another on the rescues breaths, and I would keep count.
They summoned for an ambulance and got on with their respective jobs. The group was described as "working like a well-oiled machine" by one bystander who pointed out that "they swapped over well when each other got tired".
After an anxious wait the paramedics arrived and rushed Richard off to the nearest hospital in Dundee. Thankfully he awoke the next day with no apparent damage and went on to make a full recovery.
Just like Amy you can learn these skills on first aid at work courses.
Amy summed up the hugely emotional night by explaining how the whole episode had changed her thoughts on first aid:
"I now actively let others know how important First Aid training is. I did my training because of a work requirement, but ended up needing it when participating in my favourite pastime dancing. My experience proves that First aid saves lives. Do not hesitate if there is someone in need as you really can help".
Train Aid Ltd deliver both affordable and enjoyable training courses that place a strong emphasis on teaching practical skills that are relevant to real life.
Website: http://www.train-aid.co.uk