A Gateshead resident has helped save her neighbour’s life using skills she learnt at a CPR training session run by The Gateshead Housing Company.
Audrey Powney of Birtley Villas rang for an ambulance when her neighbour Dave Kennedy thought he was having a heart attack.
Along with another neighbour, Derek Hodgson, Audrey used her CPR skills to resuscitate Dave when he became unconscious and stopped breathing.
Audrey had recently attended the CPR training organised by the housing company which manages the Birtley Villas sheltered scheme. The sessions, in partnership with British Heart Foundation, aim to provide the skills and knowledge needed to create a nation of life-savers.
She said: “I knew it was important to do the CPR training but now that I have actually used the skills to help save a life I can’t recommend the sessions enough. I am delighted that Dave is on the mend.”
Gateshead Council’s Neighbourhood Management and Volunteer Team identified, through British Heart Foundation, the opportunity to acquire a free CPR kit. Working alongside housing company staff and residents at Bensham Court, the team assisted with the first couple of sessions which has now lead to the lifesaving programme being rolled out to over 20 sheltered schemes in Gateshead.
Mr Kennedy has now recovered and returned home after his stay in hospital. He is very thankful to his neighbours and the ambulance service who worked together to save his life.
Craig Tilley, Mobile Sheltered Scheme Officer at The Gateshead Housing Company said: “This incident just shows how successful the CPR sessions have been and how important these life-saving skills are.
“We are delighted to take the CPR training to more sheltered schemes across Gateshead which could potentially save more lives.”
To find out more about the CPR training offered by The Gateshead Housing Company call our Involvement Team on 0191 433 5357 or emailinvolve@gatesheadhousing.co.uk