Hero neighbour to aid of poorly mum

A quick-thinking volunteer’s heroic actions helped to save the life of his neighbour after she collapsed at her home suffering a heart attack.
By Gareth Vickers
Published 27th Aug 2015, 10:00 BST
Lynn Hampson, Peter Blundell, Jill Maddison. Peter helped to save Jill's life . Peter completed his CFR training with NWAS Over Wyre TeamLynn Hampson, Peter Blundell, Jill Maddison. Peter helped to save Jill's life . Peter completed his CFR training with NWAS Over Wyre Team
Lynn Hampson, Peter Blundell, Jill Maddison. Peter helped to save Jill's life . Peter completed his CFR training with NWAS Over Wyre Team

Peter Blundell, 54, a newly qualified volunteer community first responder (CFR) for the North West Ambulance Service, was called into action after Jill Maddison, 47, a neighbour in Buckthorn Place, Knott End, fell ill in June.

After being alerted to the incident, Mr Blundell rushed across the road – putting his new medical knowledge into practice.

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Peter, who was helped during the incident by neighbour Lynn Hampson, said: “When I got there Jill was having difficulty breathing and was unresponsive. It was nerve-wracking as it was my first serious call and you don’t expect it to be for someone that you know but the adrenaline just kicked in and I went into automatic mode.

“Thankfully when you become a CFR you get specialist equipment, such as a defibrillator and oxygen cylinder, which were invaluable.”

Jill added: “Earlier in the day I had been to the doctors as I thought that I had a chest infection and then got home and took some medication.

“I felt a rise of heat and sweat and felt dizzy and said to my husband that I didn’t feel well. I laid down on the sofa and that was the last thing that I remember.”

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There are currently eight CFRs across Wyre and a total of 1,140 volunteers across the region.

Alongside their day jobs and everyday commitments CFRs provide support for ambulance crews as they are sent to incidents at the same time as paramedics and often can get there first to start basic life support procedures.

Jill was taken to Blackpool Victoria hospital after the incident and is now making a full recovery.

She added: “I have been overwhelmed by the support from all our neighbours who have sent get well cards and flowers. Yet, without Peter that day I wouldn’t be here.

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“I would hate someone to go through what I did and not have received any help, so to us he is our absolute hero.”

Edward Shields, Team Leader for the Over Wyre CFR Team said: “Happy endings like this are rare but they are the reason we all do what we do.”

If you are interested in volunteering, go to www.nwas-responders.info