Guy Gladston, Senior Assistant Clinical Psychologist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, responded to a medical emergency on his way to work. A member of the public, Martin, collapsed at Broad Marsh Car park in Nottingham.
Utilising skills from the Trust’s Basic Life Support training, Guy immediately began CPR and worked with others to contact emergency services. He continued the resuscitation efforts until paramedics arrived and provided support thereafter.
Martin, who was in a coma for seven days following a cardiac arrest caused by a heart attack, expressed his profound gratitude. "Learning a stranger had stepped in and performed CPR was amazing, I’m ever so thankful," he stated. "He did a good job as my ribs hurt for weeks on where he broke them. Sometimes necessary to save a life! A small price to pay!" Martin also highlighted the importance of such training, suggesting, "There should be more people like Guy trained up in all work places."
Martin recounted his experience, including waking up from the coma, receiving blood transfusions, and undergoing an angioplasty. He acknowledged having some brain damage and memory loss but remains thankful for each day. He also mentioned a recent fall that resulted in two broken ribs, delaying his completion of the cardio rehabilitation programme.
“"Guy is our hero, he saved my life and we will be forever thankful. He’s not a stranger to us, he’s family now. Guy your quick-thinking actions saved my life - Thankyou again."
The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance service facilitated a meeting between Guy, his family, and those who assisted in the rescue. Martin's wife, Allyson, and daughter-in-law, Elee, were present during the emotional reunion.
Becky Sutton, Chief Operating Officer at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, praised Guy's actions. "Guy’s actions are an outstanding example of the difference that timely intervention, effective training and the courage to act can make," she said. "His quick thinking and determination to provide CPR until the emergency services arrived helped give Martin the chance to survive and recover."
Sutton added, "We are incredibly proud of Guy and the way he put his Basic Life Support training into practice in such critical circumstances. His actions are a powerful reminder of why this training, which is mandatory for all our colleagues, is so important and how the skills our staff develop can make a life-saving difference, both in the workplace and in the wider community."
