Off-duty nurse puts life-saving training into action
Victoria Wilton, Specialist Community Learning Disability Nurse, at the Trust, recently had to put her Trust Basic Life Support training in to practice in an emergency situation.
Whilst Vickie was off duty on a Saturday, she picked up a few bits from Lidl, and whilst putting her shopping through the checkout, a lady in front of her became suddenly unwell and fell to the floor.
Vickie said:
"The lady's husband shouted for someone to help. The security guard and I assisted her and found that she was not responding and had stopped breathing. I started CPR until the paramedics arrived. This was a very distressing situation for all involved. I stayed with the ladies' husband until she was taken in an air ambulance to hospital and ensured his shopping was safely returned to him through his daughter
"I can only thank the resuscitation training team for the way they deliver the training that this had stuck in my head, and I was able to put the training into practice. I have been working as a community learning disability nurse in the Trust for 13 years so have attended many of the resuscitation updates. Stephen delivered my training last year and fortunately only a few weeks before this incident happened. I have reached out to them following this and they have been exceptionally kind.
"I have since been to see the lady who sat up in bed, able to talk to me. It was overwhelming to see her. She still has some recovering to do but most importantly, is alive. It has always stuck with me during the resuscitation training, the cycle of survival and I think this is something that will stick with me now and imbeds that early CPR definitely is important to saving someone's life."
Amy Eagle, Care Group Director of Community Health and Specialist Services at Nottinghamshire Healthcare said:
Vickie's actions are something we can all be incredibly proud of. She remained calm under immense pressure and used the skills and knowledge gained through her training to make a real difference at a critical moment.
Vickie has shown exceptional professionalism, compassion and courage, and I would like to thank her for everything she did to support the lady and her family during such a distressing incident. We are delighted to hear the lady is recovering well.
Well done Vickie, and a huge thank you to Stephen for providing such excellent training.
Basic Life Support training is mandatory for all colleagues.
Stephen Shay, Resuscitation Officer commented:
Vickie epitomises what the NHS is about. She relayed her skills into a community setting and is a fantastic example of someone who implemented skills into real life. Vickie gave the lady the best chance of survival.
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