A COLLEGE student was hailed a hero after he came to the rescue of a train passenger having a seizure.

Rudy Kuzminski, a first year student at Hereford Sixth Form College was travelling on the train from Birmingham to Hereford last Friday afternoon following an open day at Birmingham University when the incident unfolded.

"The full train with standing room only was just outside Colwall," said Rudy's father Henryk Kuzminski.

"The heat and oppressive atmosphere proved too much for a young Spanish student nearby who was having a seizure and had started fitting.

"The people around her stepped back in confusion unsure of what to do. As she collapsed to the floor Rudy took control of the situation."

The 17-year-old, from Tenbury Wells, relied on the training and experience he had gained through his night shifts at 'Emelia's Place' run by Vennture in Hereford to help the casualty.

Rudy assessed the situation, administered aid in the correct manner and followed the correct procedures before carrying her from the train.

"He organised for someone to hold up the train and fetch the driver and another to call for an ambulance," added Henryk.

"Checking her phone for clues to her identity he quickly realised that she was Spanish and knew very little English.

"Rudy looked after the girl until the ambulance arrived and handed her over to the paramedics as he had been trained to do.

"The train was held up for twenty minutes and when Rudy finally got back on the carriage, all eyes were on him

and one chap piped up - 'oi mate, you're a hero!'

"As you can imagine we're very proud of him and very thankful to Vennture for giving him the skills and confidence to 'step up to the mark and take responsibility'.

"Not bad for a lad who just turned 17 a month ago."

Emelia's Place is a purpose built venue designed to help people on a night out recover safely and ease the burden on the A&E department of Hereford County Hospital.

Robert Thomas, Lead Executive Officer at Vennture in Hereford said: “Our Lean-on-Me training equips student volunteers to deal with this scenario- and many others, through learning well-rehearsed drills.

"The 40 hours of intense learning- including role plays with local drama students, prepare students to confront situations calmly if and when they meet them in real life.

“We are delighted that Rudy's training and his 60 hours of volunteering meant he was the right person in the right place at the right time to help this girl.”