ECT Charity is on a mission to end loneliness and isolation.
We do this by enabling those who are unable to access mainstream transport to venture out of their homes: whether for a shopping trip or doctor’s appointment, or an excursion to the seaside.
There are lots of people who work hard to make these journeys possible. Our Journey Makers series shines a light on them – from our well-trained, caring drivers to the community members who organise transport for local groups.
This time, our Journey Maker is Ealing Community Transport (ECT) driver Stuart.
He describes how the skills he acquired on a first aid course, taken as part of his ECT driver training, proved invaluable when he encountered an emergency on the way home from work.
“After a day of driving for ECT had ended, I headed to the supermarket to buy some groceries.
“Walking into the shop, I noticed several people standing over a young lady. She was lying on the ground, and appeared to be having a seizure.
“Immediately, I thought about the emergency response skills I had gained during the first aid course I took as part of my role as an ECT driver.
“Remembering what I had learnt, I placed her in the recovery position. I also spoke to the 999 operators to explain what appeared to be wrong.
“While we waited for an ambulance to arrive, I placed my ECT hi-vis garments under her head, and covered her with my ECT fleece. At this point, there was luckily some additional help from an NHS passenger transport driver, who assisted me with keeping her warm.
“A rapid response vehicle and then an ambulance came within a few minutes, and she was taken inside to be treated in private. The paramedics told me that she was breathing well and her oxygen levels were good.
“Thanks to the skills I learnt on the ECT first aid training course, I felt confident enough to take control of the situation. I am just glad that I was able to assist her before the professionals arrived, and was able to help ensure a positive outcome for her.”
Interested in becoming a member of our team of caring drivers? Find out more here.
