A bus driver has been recognised for saving the life of a former mayor of Brighton and Hove when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Debbie Russell was praised for her quick-thinking response in resuscitating Bill Randall, who also served as the first Green leader of Brighton and Hove City Council.
Mr Randall, 83, had been waiting for a bus when he had a heart attack and collapsed into a bed of nettles by a bus stop in South Coast Road, Telscombe Cliffs.
Ms Russell, a former nurse, moved Mr Randall on to the path, quickly worked out that he was in cardiac arrest and started cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
She continued her efforts for 10 to 15 minutes to revive me before the ambulance arrived. I was given three defibrillator shocks and taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton.
Now, the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) has honoured her life-saving response with a chief executive’s commendation at an awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel, in Eastbourne.
Secamb said: “Debra’s recognition reflects the importance of people being prepared to act in an emergency.
“Her willingness to step forward and provide life-saving care before the arrival of ambulance crews helped save a life and highlights the difference that early intervention can make.”
Secamb’s head of operations in Brighton, Hove and Mid Sussex, Josh Tonks, attended the incident.
He said: “Debra did everything right in those critical early moments. Through her calm approach and determination to act when every second counted, she made an extraordinary difference.”
Secamb said: “In June this year, while on shift, Debra spotted that members of the public had gathered to help Bill at a bus stop in Telscombe Cliffs.
“Debra quickly brought her vehicle to a safe stop and calmly took control of the scene.
“Without hesitation and with the help of another motorist, she pulled Bill from the bushes where he had collapsed.
“Drawing on her experience as a former nurse, she quickly established he was in cardiac arrest and began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until the arrival of ambulance crews.
“The pair were reunited at the awards ceremony where Bill joined Debra on stage as she was recognised for the actions that helped save his life.”
Mr Randall wrote about his brush with death for Brighton and Hove News in July, shortly after meeting Ms Russell to thank her in person. To read it, click here.
He wrote: “I could not have asked for better treatment in the hospital. At every level the staff were supportive, caring and friendly. I was struck by how they work as a team.
“Their efforts were an inspirational endorsement for the NHS. However, everything goes back to Debbie and my enormous luck that the right person came along at the right time.
“As I found out, you never know what’s around the corner – or at the next bus stop. Without her intervention, it is very unlikely that I would be writing this piece. My family and I cannot thank her enough.”
Ms Russell said: “Seeing someone in distress, you don’t stop to think. You just help. I’m so thankful Bill is recovering well and grateful to everyone who came together to help.”
She received the Honouring Public Service award at the ceremony last Thursday (22 October) from Secamb chief executive Jennifer Allan at a ceremony where the key theme was making a difference to others.
Secamb said: “Whether through lifesaving action in an emergency, years of dedicated service, support for colleagues or work behind the scenes, each recipient demonstrated the values that underpin Secamb’s care for patients and communities every day.”
