DENNIS Downey from Leominster has been awarded with two certificates of achievement, one from the British Heart Foundation and one from Herefordshire Heartstart for his use of Heartstart basic emergency life support skills, by helping an unconscious man by placing him in the recovery position.

Dennis was inside a building when he saw the gentleman collapse and become unconscious. He swiftly checked his airway and breathing and placed him into the recovery position. He dialled 999 and waited with the man until the paramedics arrived. Before they arrived the man became conscious, but was very confused. The paramedics carried out an ECG and thought he was having a heart attack. Dennis has since seen the gentleman who confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack.

Loraine Coleman, co-ordinator/project manager from Herefordshire Heartstart was so impressed to hear what Dennis had done that she recommended him for a special achievement award from the British Heart Foundation. She also made a recommendation to the Trustees of Herefordshire Heartstart that Dennis receive an achievement certificate from Herefordshire Heartstart, the charity who was responsible for teaching Dennis Heartstart emergency life support skills.

Dr John Ballance, medical director and chairman for Herefordshire Heartstart and Loraine Coleman recently met with Dennis to present him with the two certificates.

Loraine and John congratulated him on this achievement.

Loraine went on to say "We would like to congratulate Dennis for having the confidence to use the Heartstart skills that he had learnt. Had Dennis not learnt these skills and known what to do, the outcome for this man may have been very different."

Heartstart 'how to save a life courses' take just two hours and are free to attend. To find out details of free courses in Herefordshire or if you can help by making a donation or by organising a fundraising event visit herefordshireheartstart.org.