Training session turns into real-life drama

Station commander John Lake with pupils John Heywood, Emily Toop and Edna Gomes at Newman College

FIREfighters teaching pupils CPR at Newman College had to rush to a real cardiac arrest.

Around 90 pupils were taking part in the session when the Chadderton station crew was called to treat a man who had collapsed in Blackley.

Since last month, firefighters have responded to cardiac arrests as well as the ambulance service, with whoever reaches the casualty first providing potentially lifesaving treatment.

It is not known if the man, who was taken to hospital, survived, but station commander John Lake said: “It highlights the importance of learning CPR. We will be going back to the school as we couldn’t complete the sessions.”

Around 3,500 young people trained to be lifesavers with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Restart a Heart Day. Fire-fighters, staff and volunteers attended 35 schools and colleges which also included North Chadderton School, Oasis Academy Oldham and Waterhead Academy in Oldham.