A student from Pinner who helped save a man’s life last month is hoping his story will inspire others to learn first aid.
Sam Krolikowski, a 23-year-old fourth-year medical student at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, was walking along Pinner High Street when he noticed a man who had collapsed in the middle of the pavement.
Speaking to Pinnernews, Sam explained: “It was instinctual. I’ve done so many fake scenarios but was finally in a real situation. All of your training springs into action.
“I didn’t do much, but had my stethoscope so was able to pick up on the fact that he was becoming unresponsive, and called an ambulance.”
Sam and a group of locals stayed with the man while they waited for the ambulance, providing blankets and helping to make the man as comfortable as possible.
Sam added: “So many people stopped to help, and although it wasn’t a nice situation, there was such community spirit. People often assume people are just out for themselves, but there are good people out there, and everyone helped in their own way.”
However, the man quickly deteriorated during the prolonged wait for the ambulance. Using his instinct and training, Sam noticed signs of trouble and called the ambulance once more. Thankfully, help arrived and the man was taken to hospital.
Sam is now stressing the importance of making sure people know what to do in such an emergency.
He said: “We are well versed in driving cars and dangerous machinery, but the proportion of people who are first aid trained is remarkably low.
“If you see someone in this way, think through it practically and systematically, and don’t be overwhelmed because you don’t know first aid. The most useful thing you can do is make sure the person is comfortable, which can be achieved in so many ways, such as bringing a spare blanket or pillow.”
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