Newly-trained first aider helped save 'elderly' man’s life after he collapsed in Sidcup

The incident happened in Church Road at about 4.30pm last Wednesday (July 20) as temperatures reached 30C.

And Martin Peaple was near the man, who was eventually taken to hospital, when he fell down in the street outside Sidcup Auction Rooms.

The 27-year-old said: “There was an elderly gent who suddenly collapsed next to the auction house.

“I put him in the recovery position with the help of someone else and I dialled 999.

Emergency services at the scene | Picture: Update News

“He’d stopped breathing and CPR was started by a member of the public after I gave instructions – and before the paramedics arrived, I took over.”

Mr Peaple claims paramedics believed the man had collapsed because his pacemaker failed, causing his heart to stop.

He added that an off-duty fireman assisted and helped until the emergency services arrived.

“I’d only completed my first-aid training a couple of weeks ago and I wasn’t expecting to use it so soon,” Mr Peaple told News Shopper.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery and a massive thank you to London Ambulance Service, Bexley Police and the two other guys who helped out.

“I think we all helped save the man’s life.”

The sweltering temperatures in London prompted Public Health England to issue a health warning at the start of last week.

Read our guide on how to cope with the heatwave as temperatures have exceeded 30C.