Lifesavers to be honoured at awards

Kevin Mason and Tammy Fields with Bill and Jean Miller at Chesterfields Winding Wheel. Submitted picture.

Door supervisors Kevin Mason and Tammy Field, from Chesterfield, have been named as finalists in the Workplace Hero category of the charity’s national awards, which will take place in London at the end of March. The category recognises individuals who have helped save a life or who have made an extraordinary first aid achievement in their workplace.

The pair sprang into action when Bill Miller, 73, of Stonebroom, suddenly started choking while he was enjoying a meal at a friend’s wedding anniversary party at the Winding Wheel in December 2012.

Not realising what was wrong at first, his wife Jean ushered him outside the building to get some air. But Bill’s situation was rapidly worsening and Jean knew that something was seriously wrong.

HW Martin Waste Ltd lifesavers John Kobayashi, Andrew Mallyon-Price and Chris Bills at the county councils Northwood Household Waste Recycling Centre. Submitted picture.

Luckily Kevin, 57, who had first aid training, immediately recognised that Bill was choking and he and Tammy stepped in to help.

Kevin swiftly delivered three back blows – and the piece of food was released, saving Bill’s life.

He said: “I feel very proud and thankful to be shortlisted for an award. I’m very pleased that I have been able to save a life as a result of my first aid training.”

Also finalists in the Workplace Hero category are Andrew Mallyon-Price, Chris Bills and John Kobyashi, of Darley Dale-based HW Martin Waste Ltd.

In January 2013 Andrew and his workmates were going about their normal duties on the Northwood Household Waste Recycling Centre in Darley Dale when customer John Mayfield, of Bakewell, suffered a heart attack.

Andrew, along with Chris and John, sprang into action, putting into use the knowledge and skills they had gained through the first aid training they have received.

The trio was able to perform CPR on John for almost 30 minutes before an ambulance arrived.

John recovered well following the incident and his family credits the quick intervention of the three men with his survival.

Mr Mayfield said: “I am so grateful to them for saving my life and I am so pleased and proud that they have been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of their efforts.”