Luton student saves life weeks after learning first aid

Haresh Sivalingam, who is now a Year 13 student, was part of a group of students who were trained in basic first aid and CPR skills by EEAST volunteer responder Rhys Hibbert and paramedics in September last year.

The students were taught how to deliver effective CPR, put somebody in the recovery position, and learnt about the benefits of volunteering. They were then awarded with First Aid Awareness certificates.

Just eight weeks later, Haresh was shopping in a local supermarket when a woman collapsed in front of him. Haresh approached the woman to help her and put her in the recovery position while supermarket staff called 999. Haresh remained with the patient until an ambulance crew arrived. The woman was transported to hospital for further checks.

Earlier this month, Haresh was presented with a Good Citizen Award by EEAST's Head of Collaborative Response, Tom Barker, in front of fellow students and teachers.

Haresh Sivalingam said: "When I saw the woman collapse in the supermarket, I knew I had to do something to help. Having recently learned basic first aid skills, I was able to check if the woman was breathing, and when I realised she was I knew I had to get her into the recovery position while somebody else called 999.

"I didn't expect to put my first aid training into use in an actual emergency so soon after learning about it. I was really pleased to be presented with a certificate from the ambulance service, it is nice to be recognised but I was just doing what I hope anyone else would do in that situation!"

Rhys Hibbert, a volunteer community first responder at EEAST who trained Haresh and the other students at Queen Elizabeth School, said: "Haresh's quick thinking and actions to help a woman who collapsed in front of him undoubtedly helped to keep her alive while waiting for an ambulance.

"When somebody loses consciousness and collapses, there is a risk that they could hit their head or choke on their tongue. Haresh used the first aid skills he had recently learned at school to put the woman into the recovery position to protect her airway. He should be incredibly proud of himself, and EEAST wanted to recognise his heroic efforts by presenting him with a Good Citizen Award."

ENDS

Photo caption (from L-R): Ms Aherne (Head of Sixth Form), Haresh Sivalingam, Tom Barker (EEAST Head of Community Response) and Rhys Hibbert (EEAST Community First Responder).