Last year we had the privilege of issuing a special news item about three of our recycling centre staff. They had worked together to save the life of a member of the public who had suffered a heart attack at the Northwood household waste recycling centre. The site, near Darley Dale, is one of several Derbyshire County Council recycling centres across the county, all of which are managed and operated by H W Martin Waste Ltd.
John Mayfield, now 74, was visiting Northwood recycling centre to deposit his waste when his heart stopped and he collapsed. H W Martin Waste Ltd’s Site Manager, Andrew Mallyon-Price, worked with Recycling Advisor John Kobyashi and another member of the public to administer first aid, including CPR. With Deputy Manager Chris Bills also playing a vital role in managing the incident, through their rapid team work and drawing on their training they were able to resuscitate Mr Mayfield and keep him alive until the emergency services arrived. We are pleased to report that Mr Mayfield went on to make a full recovery in hospital.
So it comes as no surprise and we are very proud to announce that Andrew, Chris and John have been named as Finalists in the St. John Ambulance Everyday Heroes Awards 2014. They are named in the “Workplace Hero” category, which recognises individuals who have saved a life with first aid or who have made an extraordinary first aid achievement in their workplace.
Following the announcement, Andrew commented: “We are really proud to have been shortlisted for this Award. When the incident happened we just worked as a team and the training we had received just kicked in.”
Ensuring that all Derbyshire recycling staff members receive up-to-date training is part of our Derbyshire Area Manager Ged Pearce’s responsibility. Ged ensures the training is appropriate and kept fresh for staff on all the sites in Derbyshire. This is crucial for dealing with incidents like the one Andrew and his team dealt with so effectively.
Ged, along with Senior Operations Manager Phil Darwin will accompany Andrew and his site staff at the Awards ceremony taking place in London on 26 March. Awards will be presented during the black-tie awards dinner by a host of celebrities including Duncan Bannatyne, Matthew Wright and Tess Daly – TV presenter Tess will be presenting the Workplace Hero Award.
Operations Director Mark Faulconbridge commented on the Award nomination: “It’s incredible to think that a year has passed already since Andrew, Chris and John did this – a year that Mr Mayfield has been able to live because of their fantastic efforts. Our thanks go out to them again on behalf of the whole company and whatever the outcome at the Awards night, they are already winners in my opinion. Well done lads.”
Everyone at H W Martin Waste Ltd offers Andrew and his team, and Phil and Ged, their congratulations for a great effort and best wishes for their well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
For details on all the 2014 Finalists and to show your support for the our team click here.