A QUICK-THINKING Shirley care home worker who helped rescue a driver trapped in a car after an accident outside her workplace has been handed a top award.
Debbie Kite gave oxygen to the 82-year-old man after the car he was driving overturned outside The Bupa Priory Care Home, in Monkspath.
The 38-year-old was one of several care home staff who rushed to help after hearing the accident in November.
And her actions have now been recognised at the Excellence In The Community Awards, organised by West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Debbie, who has worked at the home for three years, rushed to the scene after she was alerted to the accident by a colleague while working at the care home.
She said: “When I got there the car was on its roof and the driver was conscious, but trapped inside the vehicle.
“The first thing I did was climb into the vehicle, turn the engine off, cut his seatbelt and check for serious injury, and because it had obviously been quite a serious impact, I also administered oxygen to him.”
Debbie, who had in the past been trained by the ambulance service as a Community First Responder, also cut off the man’s coat. She added: “The man knew what had happened, I talked to him the entire time and made sure he was as comfortable as he could be.
“He simply said he’d been blinded by the sun and the car had turned over.
“As someone who has worked in healthcare for many years, I think he was incredibly lucky.
“I’ve seen accidents similar to that where the outcome was far more serious.”
When paramedics arrived, they cut the man from the car and took him to hospital, where he was treated before being discharged.
The man even visited Debbie at the home later the same day to deliver his thanks – and a box of chocolates.
Debbie received the West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Officer’s Commendation in appreciation of outstanding dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty at a special ceremony at the end of last month.
She said: “I was really taken aback when I received a letter telling me my actions were going to be recognised, but it’s a nice feeling too.
“I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Andy Jeynes, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, for the help he has given me and all Community First Responders.
“He’s a truly inspirational figure and provides the sort of support that is simply invaluable to anyone in the field of healthcare.”
