Carers Rachel and Helen Save a Life
Customers Pam and David had returned to their home in Lancashire one night earlier this month when Pam fell as she was getting out of the car and into her wheelchair. David was unable to lift Pam himself and so called 999 as well as activating the emergency button in their home. He also called the emergency line for the home care provider, Bluebird Care Lancaster and South Lakeland, who quickly arranged for two carers to head to the couple's home. Carers Helen and Rachel, who weren’t on duty and insisted on not being paid, arrived at the couple's home and when paramedics attended they recognised that Pam was in the early stages of hypothermia. However, the carers were aware of Pam's reluctance to attend hospital, and persuaded the paramedics to allow them to attempt to raise Pam's body temperature. Using a shower and hair dryer, they improved Pam's condition, and she was allowed to remain at home.
The following day, one of the paramedics, Rob Smith (Pictured) wrote to the care company to praise Helen and Rachel for their actions. He wrote: “I feel compelled to email you regarding the exemplary care given by two of your staff last night. In my clinical opinion their actions contributed to saving the patient’s life from serious hypothermia. "These carers made [Pam] comfortable and lifted her spirits greatly, so much so, the patient was eventually left at home as was her wishes. I do not use the words lightly, their swift action saved a life." Rachel later said: "We just did what we have been trained to do in unexpected situations. We were all in the shower at one point! But it is nice to be recognised, especially by people outside our team who don’t necessarily see what we do every day.”
We are so proud of our whole team that day, this is why we do what we do.
