A first aider who gave life saving CPR to a teenager when he collapsed in the school playground has been shortlisted for a top award.
Mark Goatcher, 27, is up for workplace hero at the St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes awards for his quick-thinking at the City of London Academy, Islington, where he is the school staff instructor of the combined cadet force.
In march a cadet ran to his office to ask for help after a boy, 13, had collapsed.
Mark said: “I could tell immediately he was in a bad way. I did around seven minutes of CPR before the emergency services arrived.”
Fortunately, after being in an induced coma, the pupil made a good recovery and returned to school.
Mark added: “I’ve since met him and his mother, and I must say that was a pretty special moment; quite emotional really. It brings home how absolutely vital first aid is as a life skill. All children should be taught it.”
The winner will be announced on September 28.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here