A customer care officer who saved a man’s life while on duty has gained an award.
In November 2011, Darren Douglas, 45, went to the rescue of a jobseeker who had collapsed with a heart attack at West Bromwich Job Centre. Administering CPR for 20 minutes Darren ensured the man was given life-saving first aid before the 999 services arrived. But his aid did not end there; Darren continued to provide critical help even after the paramedics had arrived by administering continued CPR as the medics set up at the scene.
The G4S Secure Solutions employee has gained the BSIA’s ‘Outstanding Act’ award in the Midlands region at the regional stage of the trade association’s annual security officer awards. Darren like other winners will be put forward to national judging for the BSIA’s awards. Darren will be invited to attend the BSIA’s annual lunch in London in July if successful in the second round.
A local West Bromwich man, Darren said: “I’m delighted to have won this award for outstanding act. When the customer collapsed it simply was professional instinct that kicked in and I knew I had a job to do in making sure he was stable until medical professionals arrived. In my team, we take pride in our work and if you do a job, you do it properly, so intervening to assist the customer was my duty. I think it shows how quick and appropriate actions, backed up by proper training, can help save lives. I’m just glad I was there to help.”
Doug Hewitson, Group Managing-Director of G4S Secure Solutions (UK), added: “This award is thoroughly well deserved and Darren has the right to be proud of what he did that day helping to save the life of customer. His conduct is a credit to both himself and G4S as a whole showing exceptional professionalism. Well done Darren!”