CPR Learned Hours Earlier Helps Cadet Instructor Save Woman’s Life

Sergeant Major Instructor Conor McLennan was at a restaurant when he noticed a commotion at another table. SMI McLennan offered some assistance and found an elderly lady who had been choking for longer than 5 minutes. 

While a member of staff was on the phone to 999, McLennan assessed the elderly lady, encouraging her to sit forward or cough, clearing her dentures and vomit that may arise. 

Unfortunately, the lady continued to deteriorate rapidly and became unconscious which led SMI McLennan to identify that she was in cardiac arrest, and he quickly began CPR. 

While performing chest compressions, McLennan spoke to the staff member on the phone to 999 about the change in situation, and asked if there was a defibrillator on site, which unfortunately there wasn’t. 

The first Paramedic arrived minutes later, was able to attach their own defib and began managing the elderly lady’s airway obstruction while McLennan continued to administer CPR. A Police Officer then took over CPR from SMI McLennan as further ambulance staff arrived to continue care. 

By this time, the restaurant had been cleared by staff, with only the casualty’s partner sat alone at a table. SMI McLennan sat with the gentleman, reassuring him until a member of the emergency services was able to take over. 

SMI McLennan had completed his First Aid at Work course just that afternoon where he learned his life saving skills. 

First solo Paramedic on the scene, Suzy Patience, said: 

“I was the first responding medic to the choking cardiac arrest that Conor was present at. On my arrival I found Conor to be performing good, effective CPR on the patient. He appeared calm and competent at what he was doing, and I had confidence in asking him to continue and assist me so I was able to initiate cardiac arrest management and focus on clearing the airway. He was a great asset to myself at that time as allowed rapid treatment of the patient before further resources arrived.”