THE MAYOR of Warwick has been hailed a hero after he helped save the life of a colleague who suffered a major heart attack.
Coun Richard Davies was just minutes into an after-dinner speech at an event on Saturday evening (April 12) when he collapsed suddenly.
Coun Dhillon – who was sitting a few feet away – caught the Warwick District Council Chairman as he fell and began to administer CPR after he stopped breathing.
Julie Cook – a nurse who was among the guests – and retired nurse, Suzette Smith then helped the mayor, who only learned first aid nine months ago as part of his involvement with Racing Club Warwick Football Club.
Speaking to The Observer, Coun Dhillon said: “I noticed Richard’s eyes were closing and it looked like he was going to fall so I grabbed his head before he collapsed.
“I put him in the recovery position but then Julie realised he wasn’t breathing so we decided to move him onto his back.
“I started resuscitation and he came back but then he stopped breathing on four or five occasions so I just kept doing CPR until the ambulance came.”
When paramedics arrived, Warwickshire Police Chief Constable, Andy Parker and Coun Dhillon helped carry Mr Davies to the waiting ambulance.
“His arms and legs were floppy but by this point he was talking and I just told him everything would be okay,” he said.
“I wasn’t expecting it to happen but I’m sure anyone would else would have done the same under the circumstances and it was very much a team effort.”
Coun Davies was initially taken to Warwick Hospital but transferred to University Hospital where he is currently awaiting surgery.
And the incident has prompted Coun Dhillon to urge for public places to be better equipped with public defibrillators.
He added: “Obviously I wish Richard all the best and hope he has a speedy recovery but you’ve got to learn from what has happened.
“I believe councillors should have basic first aid training and there should be more public access defibrillators readily available – they can make all the difference.”
St John Ambulance – who are set to open a new training venue in Warwick at the end of the month – were also quick to stress the importance of learning basic lifesaving skills.
Sue Roberts, West Midlands regional director, said: “This incident shows you never know when you may need to use first aid and the difference it can make.
“Coun Dhillon’s quick reaction and delivery of CPR was vital in the minutes until a defibrillator could be used to restart Coun Davies’ heart.
“I hope this encourages more people to follow his lead and learn the basic skills to help save someone’s life.”
Warwick District Council Chairman Richard Davies suffered a heart attack on Saturday evening. (s)
