TWO firefighters used their life-saving skills when a pensioner suffered a heart attack as they attended a water leak in her home.

Nicola Pattison and Bob Carr of Fulwell Fire Station in Sunderland performed CPR on the woman when she collapsed in Hardwick Rise at 10.30pm on Sunday.

Mr Carr, 50, from Sunderland, who has been a firefighter for more than 27 years, said: “We examined the lady and we could not find a pulse. She had stopped breathing and there were no signs of life.

“Nicola started the compressions and used the defibrillator while I used the bag and mask to provide oxygen.”

Ms Pattison, 31, who has been a firefighter for 12 years, said: “It’s the first time I’ve had to do this for real. It’s good to know that the skills we’ve learned in our training have been put to good use.”

She added: “After about seven or eight cycles of CPR, the lady suddenly took a big gasp or air.

“There is no doubt she is lucky to be alive. She was in the right place at the right time.”

The pensioner was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where she is recovering.

Station Manager Steve Graham from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “I am incredibly proud of Nicola and Bob.

"Our firefighters are used to saving people’s lives in a fire or a road traffic collision, but saving someone’s life in a situation such as this is not something they are used to, even though they have the skills.

"The service provides defibrillators on all its fire appliances and trains all firefighters in first aid skills. This incident has clearly shown the benefits of this investment and thankfully someone is alive today as a result. We hope she continues to improve.”