A Droitwich firefighter has received an award after using his fire service training to help save a life earlier this year.
Joshua Szikora-Warmington, who is 28 and lives in Droitwich, was taking part in football training when he noticed that a rugby player on a neighbouring pitch had collapsed.
“I raced over, followed by Molly, the team physio, and began CPR with help from two of the rugby guys, Matt who is one of the players and Joe who is an A&E doctor – they were rugby training on the opposite pitch – while a defibrillator was fetched from the Leisure Centre,” recalled Josh.
After continuing with CPR, Josh and Joe were then able to give a full briefing to the paramedics who arrived to take over.
“Phil, the casualty, has gone on to make a full recovery,” said Josh.
At the recent Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service awards ceremony at Worcester Guildhall, Josh received the Chief Fire Officer’s Certificate of Commendation which is presented annually to someone who ‘has shown an outstanding act of individual endeavour which helped to save or protect a life’.
“I felt very lucky to be able to use the life-saving skills that Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have taught me to be able to assist in someone’s hour of need,” said Josh.
“I would highly recommend learning the basics of CPR as you never know when you could be in a situation just like this.”
CAPTION: Josh Szikora-Warmington (centre) receives his certificate of commendation from Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce (left) and chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority Councillor Kit Taylor.