Current Students and Staff

// University News

10 Jan 2017

Security Officers presented with Royal Humane Society awards

Three members of staff have been presented with Royal Humane Society (RHS) awards for their acts of bravery following an incident involving the resuscitation of a mature student.

The student* was playing table tennis indoors on the University campus last year when he suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing. Security Officers Nick Sheppardand Darrell Morgan arrived at the scene alongside another colleague* and worked as a team to attempt to resuscitate him before the arrival of the paramedics.

Nick gave mouth to mouth whilst Darrell and another colleague undertook chest compressions and used a defibrillator to start his heart. Control Room operator Caroline Parrans was also on hand and calmly co-ordinated calls and facilitated the arrival of the paramedics and ambulance.

The student regained consciousness as he arrived at the hospital and survived. He continues to make progress towards a safe recovery.

Vice Chancellor Professor Bob Allison presented the Security Officers with their RHS certificates yesterday in. All three of them, alongside Caroline, also received £100 vouchers under the University Rewards Scheme.

Professor Allison commented: “It is a privilege to present the RHS awards to the staff members involved and recognise their bravery throughout this incident. We are extremely grateful to them for their exceptional teamwork and thankful the student has since made a promising recovery.

“All four members of staff are a credit to the University and we are proud to have such fantastic colleagues who are able to handle challenging situations.”

*The student and one security officer wished to remain anonymous.