Life savers

Unite receptionist Remi Badejo never thought she’d ever be in a situation in which her first aid training would play a pivotal, life-saving role.

 
But that’s just what happened in February, when a Unite colleague collapsed outside the union’s central office in London.

 
Unite ICT service manager Lisa Tranter was on her way out of the bank when she first saw the female colleague had fallen. As she approached the scene, she realised help was needed.

 
Lisa acted immediately as she put her into the recovery position, placing her on her side to prevent her from swallowing her tongue, and then called for help from the office.

 
Remi, who had just completed her first aid refresher course earlier in the week, came out to help. Lisa then went to seek additional help and equipment.

 
“As Lisa went to get additional help, I was on the phone with the paramedics as I checked to see whether she was responsive,” recalls Remi.

By the time first aider Sandra Kelleher, HR adviser, arrived, the casualty wasn’t responding at all.

 
“She had essentially stopped breathing, so CPR commenced straight away,” said Sandra – which she and police officer Paul Clarke, who was on the scene, took turns administering.

Remi assisted by relaying information from the emergency services.

 
“Everything went so quickly,” Remi explained. “It was such a surreal situation. We all worked as a team.”

 
Paramedics arrived and took over, assisted by Dr. Eamon Breslin, who happened to be in the area on a family visit.

 
The colleague was eventually transported by paramedics to the hospital in a critical condition. She is now on her way to full recovery.

 
Unite chief of staff Andrew Murray hailed the work of Remi, Sandra and Lisa, without whose help the woman’s condition may have taken a turn for the worse.

 
“Their speedy, calm and trained intervention made such a huge difference for our colleague that their contribution cannot pass without special mention – we are lucky to have such capable colleagues,” he said.

 
Remi explained why being trained in first aid is especially important for her.

 
“As a receptionist, I’m often the first point of contact for anyone in the building,” she said. “And that’s exactly what happened on that day – I was the first person someone turned to in an emergency, and so my training proved to be invaluable.

 
“You never know what can happen at any point in time, so it’s nice to know that, as someone armed with the proper training, I can be of help in some way, no matter how big or little the situation is,” she added.

 
‘Can’t put a price on life’

 
Sandra said that the story showed how critical first aid training in the workplace is.

 
“You can’t put a price on life,” she said. “It was a terrible event, but we really couldn’t have asked for a better result considering the circumstances.”

 
Sandra explained that while it is a legal requirement to have one fully trained first aider for every 50 people in a given building, Unite goes above and beyond the minimum. The central office has 14 employees fully trained in first aid – two per floor – which is about triple the legal minimum.

 
Unite health and safety adviser Bud Hudspith explained why going above the legal minimum should be supported by workplaces everywhere.

 
“Providing first aid at work, and trained first aiders, is a legal requirement on employers that no employer should question,” he explained. “Accidents and illness can happen at any time and first aid can save lives and prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones.

 
“Many employers go beyond the basic minimum because they recognise the value of having first aiders on hand,” he added.

“Unite supports good first aid provision and encourages employers to meet their duties by providing training for willing first aiders.”

 
Lisa paid tribute to the health service, which responded so quickly and efficiently.

 
“The way that the NHS responded in this situation was absolutely exemplary,” she said. “From the paramedics to the ambulance to the doctor who happened to be staying at the hotel next door – it was all a testament to what an incredible health service we have.”

Sandra agreed.

 
“What happened that day shouldn’t be glamourised,” she said. “The focus should be on the necessity of having people there who can help. That’s when the health service really comes into its own.”