Llandudno hotel receptionist saves woman’s life

Jul 7 2011 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

WHEN an elderly woman collapsed and stopped breathing, a hotel receptionist saved her life.

Julie Smith, 47, from Llandudno, was working a night shift at the Tynedale Hotel on the North Shore promenade when Freda Madden collapsed during the last dance of the evening.

Julie, who has been a St John Wales member for just two years, rushed to the 87-year-old and put her vital first aid knowledge into practice.

“I quickly utilised my St John training and found she wasn’t breathing. I started CPR and continued for about five or six minutes until the ambulance arrived,” she said.

“It was quite daunting at the time, but I knew I had the knowledge and confidence to help her.”

Freda, from Stoke-on-Trent, regained consciousness in the ambulance and was taken to hospital where she had a defibrillator fitted and spent the following two weeks in recovery.

Members of her family have thanked Julie for saving her life and recently sent a thank you letter and a £100 cheque out of appreciation.

The donation will go towards new lifesaving equipment for the St John Llandudno Division.

Julie added: “It’s a fantastic feeling to know I have saved someone’s life. She was able to celebrate her 87th birthday a few weeks later as well, which is lovely.”

St John Wales has nominated Julie for a prestigious commendation as a result of her lifesaving actions.

Keith Dunn, chief executive of St John Wales, said: “Having first aid knowledge can really be the difference between life and death as this incident shows.

“We believe everyone should have these lifesaving skills as you never know when a loved one, friend or colleague may need them.”

St John in Llandudno is currently trying to recruit more members and to raise money to buy a new ambulance which they use to attend events like agricultural shows.

Anyone who would like to volunteer or make a donation can contact Mr Byrne on 07522 998192 or e-mail cbyrne419@btinternet.com. For information on first aid courses call 02920 449500.

judith.phillips