Fireman’s reward for helping save heart victim’s life

AN OFF-duty Oldham firefighter helped to save the life of a Gulf War veteran

Quick-thinking Keith Richmond was a vital part of a lifesaving trio who came to the aid of fundraiser Barry Trivett, from Wallasey, who had suffered a heart attack in Oldham town centre.

The Chadderton-based fire officer and two of Barry’s colleagues — who were fundraising for Veterans In Action – went to work when they saw he was unconscious and not breathing.

As Keith performed chest compressions and one of the other men attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Mr Trivett gasped and started to breathe again. Keith (41), of Lees, said: “I was doing my shopping when I heard two men shouting “stay with us Barry”.

“Being in the emergency services I asked if I could help. It was a case of keeping him going until the ambulance arrived. I checked the next day and I believe he was up in his bed wanting to discharge himself.”

The Royal Humane Society has awarded each of the three men, which includes Mark O’Connor, of Romiley, and David Smith, of Ashton, a national resuscitation certificate.