An off-duty Greenwich paramedic has been dubbed a "guardian angel" after saving a pensioner's life during a family holiday in Brighton.
 
Mel Armstrong, 34, who works in Shooters Hill Road, was on a family holiday in Brighton when she found 72-year-old Brian Smith slumped against a slot machine.

Ms Armstrong said: "I heard a loud bang and I turned around and there was a man slumped against a machine. 

"As I looked down, I could tell instantly he was about to stop breathing.

"I did CPR and after a few minutes managed to get a pulse back."

Ms Armstrong waited with Mr Smith until an ambulance arrived, but was left unsure if he would recover.

She added: "There were hundreds of people watching what was going on and, as I left, quite a few said well done and shook my hand."

Coincidentally, Mr Smith's nephew Mark House works for the London Ambulance Service and was able to get in contact with Mrs Armstrong to let her know Mr Smith had survived the New Yeat's Eve.

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Mr Smith, who lives in Cheam, said "We normally go down to Brighton pier on New Year’s Eve as a family. 

"We got to the slot machines and someone turned the lights out on me and I went down like a sack of potatoes.

"If it hadn’t been for Mel, I wouldn’t be sitting here. 

"She’s my guardian angel."

Since the incident, Mrs Armstrong and Mr Smith have become friends and are planning to meet up in Brighton this New Year's Eve to celebrate Mr Smith's recovery.

Mss Armstrong said: "I believe it was meant to be there that day and since meeting Brian, we just clicked and have formed a strong bond."

The paramedic was recognised for her feat at the London Ambulance Service VIP Awards on April 29.

Fellow paramedic Claire Hutchings, who nominated Mrs Armstrong for the award, said: "Mel's skills and knowledge saved Brian’s life, which is why she deserved to win this award."