‘You are always on duty when trained in CPR’
TWO off-duty nurses who gave life-saving CPR to a man last year were recognised yesterday.
Last year Robin Sweets entered cardiac arrest while tending bar at a christening.
Luckily, two nurses who were attending the private function immediately came to his aid.
Chief ambulance officer Mark Mapp awarded the two with the CAO’s Recognition of Performance.
Community nurse Sue Black said: ‘It’s lovely to be here and so nice to be recognised, but it is strange being back. Seeing Bob now, it’s good to see him fit and well.’
Appreciation from loved ones gives reason to learn first aid, she said.
‘People are worried in the moment they’ll do it wrong, but if you’re trained it all comes back. I was first trained 42 years ago and in the past year I’ve responded to two cardiac arrests while off-duty. Those are the ones that really stand out.’
Kristy Grant also leapt into action that day: ‘For us it’s just work, which never stops. When you’re trained in CPR you’re always on duty. We feel very lucky to be trained. When it happened, I was shaking I was so nervous. But you go into nurse mode and bam – into action.
‘We’re just absolutely thrilled that he’s made a full recovery. Often people are worried they’ll do something wrong, but it’s better doing something than nothing. I’m just buzzing to see him well again. We’ve got that special bond for life.’
Mr Sweets said he had been looking forward to the ceremony.
‘They thoroughly deserve the recognition,’ he said.
‘People need to be well trained – I don’t know what it costs to take a course but it can’t be much. I was lucky. I thought I was invincible.
‘While in ICU and in a coma, I met my dad as a young man. He said I had to concentrate on getting better, and I’ve come out of it. When I came to, the nurses said “Cor – you are positive”. I said I have a family and things to do. The staff were fabulous. My family came from Australia and Essex, who I saw when I came out of my coma. I’m feeling much better.’
His wife, Sue, said: ‘I just wanted to thank the girls – without them he wouldn’t be here. Everybody has been so amazing for us. I wasn’t there at the time, and my phone was on silent. Finding that out – you just go into a tunnel. I keep an eye on him now.’
The Sweets said they were eternally grateful to the nurses for their swift actions.
