A DEPARTMENT store has been criticised for not training enough of its staff in first aid after an elderly woman fell and hit her head in a stairwell.

A shopper at Barkers in Northallerton, who asked not to be named, saw the elderly woman trip on the stairs near the store’s café, cutting her head and injuring her back.

But, she said, despite several calls for help to cafe staff, there didn't appear to be anyone confident enough or trained to deal with a medical incident.

However, a spokesman for Barkers said its staff were quick to respond and employees in the cafe immediately called for first aiders to attend - in line with company procedure.

The woman shopper said: “I had walked up the stairs first as an old lady passed me, while my mum waited at the bottom to allow the lady, in her late 70s or early 80s, pass, telling her to take her time. Suddenly the old lady missed her footing and tumbled head over heels three times, hitting her head and back badly several times.

“I ran down to assist, and tried calm the lady down and keep her still as mum shouted for help. The only people to arrive were two retired nurses and a health care worker – all customers enjoying morning coffee. No staff came to help.

“The lady was extremely distressed and bleeding, and despite my mum shouting again that we needed help from the restaurant staff, no one came.”

She said they were told the store first aiders had been called and were on their way – but said this seemed to take around ten minutes as they had to come from a different part of the store.

“Barkers need to take a very serious look at their first aid training, health and safety and staff awareness on how to deal with a serious injury situation.”

A spokesman for Barkers said: “The safety of our customers is a high priority at Barkers, and our staff were quick to respond to the incident on Thursday, March 2.

"A customer lost her footing and fell down the stairs leading from the customer toilets. The staff in our restaurant called for first aiders to attend immediately, according to normal protocol and procedure.

"Two retired nurses, friends of a member of staff, dealt with the injuries sustained, using materials provided, and another customer who was present was calling for an ambulance just as two first aiders arrived at the scene with first aid equipment and mobile phone.

"The rapid response vehicle arrived shortly afterwards and a member of staff was on hand to direct them to the casualty.

Barkers would like to thank everyone for their assistance at the incident.”