One winters day in 2023, Ebony began her part-time shift as an assistant at a local McDonald’s restaurant. Undertaking the usual tasks of serving food, cleaning tables and general customer service she certainly did not envisage CPR and using a defibrillator to be added to the list. Yet as is the norm in situations of this nature – we don’t expect it! We rely on instinct, knowledge and confidence. Fortunately, Ebony and her colleagues had these in abundance.

A customer burst through the door shouting and pointing that a gentleman (possibly in his 50s) had collapsed at the bus stop across the road. ‘Heart attack’ were the words used in the description. Ebony and two colleagues grabbed the defibrillator that McDonald’s luckily had on-site and briskly made their way across the road.

On arrival, it was clear the gentleman was not in a good way. Checks were carried out and, with no RESPONSE, zero difference from opening his AIRWAY, and no sign of NORMAL BREATHING it was clear the man was in trouble. “His face had lost all colour. He was blue” explained Ebony. The three workers began CPR by pushing on the chest at a speed of two compressions per second. Keeping the heart pumping at this speed is tiring. Therefore all three constantly rotated and communicated as they did, to minimise time spent off the chest. 

Ebony, who had recently undertaken first aid training as part of the enrichment she receives as a student at Wickersley Sixth Form – a part of Wickersley School and Sports College and a member of Wickersley Partnership Trust, took control when setting up the defibrillator. “Using a defibrillator in different situations was a key element of the training we received both in Y12 and Y13. It really helped my understanding and gave me confidence when it was happening for real.” Ebony stressed. 

The defibrillator gave a shock and there was no difference. The three staff continued CPR as they waited for the defib to re-analyse and shock again. This continued for several shocks. There was a big gasp on the third or fourth as the gentleman inhaled for the first time in almost 10 minutes. He slowly opened his eyes, began gentle movements and took hold of his chest. The three staff had just saved his life. An ambulance arrived shortly after and paramedics took over, but the hard work had already been done!

There were sweat and tears with time seemingly standing still, yet the team of three just got on with it. “If I were in that situation I hope someone would do the same for me,” emphasised an emotional Ebony. 

“The first aid course I did back in Y12 was really beneficial, “ she continued. “It gave me the knowledge to understand what to do. Nothing can prepare you for what goes through your head but having more training in Y13 really helped refresh the knowledge I had acquired. It gave me the confidence to do the right things.”  

Ebony is very humble about the whole situation but realises the importance of her actions. She and her colleagues are lifesavers. On the training she has received; “I think every young person should have first aid training. All schools should do this.” 

Here at First Aid Schools we certainly echo Ebony’s thoughts. As part of the partnership we have with Wickersley Partnership Trust, EVERY YOUNG PERSON (foundation stage to Y13) receives first aid training EVERY YEAR. No one knows when, or if, they are ever going use it, but having it in the locker can save someone’s life  – as Ebony will be the first to testify.   

If you would like your students to experience our ‘Hands On’ first aid programme, please get in touch through the website enquiry form at the bottom of this page.