Lifeguard to rescue of crash victim

A quick-thinking lifeguard, who put her life-saving skills to good use after a road accident, has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Chadderton resident Kirsty Fraser (20) sprang into action when pedestrian Stephen Jones (55) was hit by a car at a zebra crossing.

The Oldham College student, who works as a lifeguard at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre and Royton Sports Centre for Oldham Community Leisure, noticed Mr Jones was suffering from a head injury and suspected spinal damage.

Kirsty said: “It feels really great to get a Pride in Oldham nomination. I am always aware that I may have to put my training into action but it doesn’t seem real when you have to.

“It’s not something that you think about when it’s happening. I just did everything I was taught in training naturally — it’s only afterwards that you realise. I’m just glad i kept my nerve.”

Her sister, Donna, who was nominated for a Pride award in 2006 for her own lifesaving exploits, said: “I was really happy for her — it is something she deserves.

“Not many young people would have stopped and helped out and that says everything about her.”

Kirsty’s care for the eight minutes until emergency services arrived was vital and Mr Jones’s injuries could have been far worse if it wasn’t for her rapid actions. Kirsty, of Raymond Avenue, has been a qualified lifeguard for three years after beginning her training at the age of eight.