A Sheffield firefighter who saved the life of a heart attack victim whilst off-duty has been recognised with a special fire service award. Martin Farmer, based at the city's Lowedges fire station, came to the aid of 63 year-old Dave Western at Abbeydale Badminton Club, Sheffield last September.   

Martin was watching his children play a match when he saw Mr Western collapse on another court. The 52 year-old firefighter rushed to his aid to carry out CPR until an ambulance arrived, and paramedics were able to use a defibrillator to get Dave's heart beating again. The pair were reunited this week at Lowedges fire station where Firefighter Farmer was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his efforts. 

Dave said: "I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Martin. I feel so lucky that he saw what was happening and acted so swiftly."  

Medics have told Dave he would have died had it not been for the actions of Martin, who had CPR training from his fire service colleagues Dave Shepherd and Al Jones.  

Martin said: "I didn't have any time to think about what was happening, but the training I'd received at the fire service gave me the confidence to administer CPR. It just goes to show how valuable this first aid training can be - whether we're responding to a 999 call or off-duty. 

"It is great that my actions have been recognised but even better to see that Mr Western has made a full recovery." 

Mr Western is now on the mend following double heart bypass surgery. 

 

Date posted: 14.01.11