Hero cop hails first aid training

A POLICE officer today encouraged people to take first aid courses - after emergency training enabled him to save a motorist's life.

Acting Sergeant Paul Smith, based at Suffolk police headquarters, claimed the first aid training he received was solely responsible for preventing the death of a heart-attack casualty at an incident.

Mr Smith was on duty in Felixstowe, dealing with a broken down lorry near the port gates when a car came out of a petrol station and ended up in collision with another truck.

The car driver had suffered a major heart attack at the wheel and needed emergency medical attention.

Mr Smith leapt into action and put to use the techniques he had learnt.

He said: “The man was exhibiting classic signs of a heart attack, and although there were about 20 people at the scene, not one was competent in first aid, so I found myself calling on the skills I'd learned.

“I have to admit that I had never been so nervous in all my life, but the training just kicked in and I was able to work on the man to the point that I got some signs of life.”

Mr Smith had attended two first aid courses - one just weeks before the dramatic incident.

“As far as I'm concerned, everyone should be trained in first aid. There's no doubt in my mind that if I hadn't had the training then that man would be dead now.”

The man made a full recovery and is back at work.

Mr Smith said: “I'm now very confident of my first aid skills and I certainly go out of my way to encourage everyone I meet to attend a similar course and to ensure they have a level of competence - because you never know when you could be in a position where you're the only one able to save a life.”