THE first patient to be treated by firefighters as part of an emergency medical pilot scheme has been reunited with those who saved her life.

Sixty-eight year old Linda Broxson, of Seaham, County Durham, had just been dropped off at Deneside Working Men’s Club for her weekly bingo night by partner John, when she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.

The great grandma had not felt particularly unwell prior to the January 12th incident, other than fighting off cold and flu symptoms.

First on scene to help was crew manager Paul Hodgson, firefighter John Hunter and firefighter Steve Bramley from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service minutes after the 999 call was received by North East Ambulance Service.

Mr Hodgson said: “We knew we were responding to an unconscious patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest and wasn’t breathing and were met by a lady on arrival who was surprised to see the fire engine.

“I quickly explained that we were emergency co-responders trained to help and that the ambulance was on its way.

“This was the first job we attended like this and, as you would expect, it was a bit daunting initially, but once we reached Linda our training kicked in.

“My crew did an excellent job clearing Linda’s airway, commencing CPR and attaching a defibrillator before the paramedics arrived.

“We are so pleased that Linda is recovering well and it’s been a pleasure to meet her in better circumstances.”

North East Ambulance paramedic Dean Kennedy and emergency care assistant Paul McDonald arrived to the scene just two minutes later to care for and transport Linda to Sunderland Royal Infirmary, where she was taken to resus with a good output and breathing for herself, though she had not regained consciousness.

Mr McDonald said: “Getting to a person quickly is essential to give them the best chance possible. The fire crews are a well-trained and professional service and if they are nearer to an incident than we are, those precious minutes can make all the difference. Linda is a great example of how having the right skills at the right time can support the ambulance service give the best service possible to patients.”

The fire service is one of four regional fire and rescue services now responding to medical emergencies as part of a new six-month trial scheme in the region to work together to save more lives.

Mrs Broxson said: “I don’t remember everything that happened to me but I do know that they saved my life and I’m a very lucky person. I could never pay them back. They are worth their weight in gold.”