A Glasgow bus driver has won a top award for saving a passenger's life.
William Bell leapt into action when John McCann suffered a cardiac arrest while travelling on the No 57 from Pollokshaws to Glasgow to meet friends for a game of tennis .
'Billy the bus driver' acted immediately after being alerted to the incident by another passenger. Keeping a calm head and instructing someone to call an ambulance, Billy assessed the situation before putting John into the recovery position and commencing life-saving CPR for more than 20 minutes.
William and John have since reunited and have created a special bond.
Now he has been rewarded for his life saving actions at the Scottish First Aid Awards.
Recalling the event, William said: “I kept speaking to John, trying to reassure him that he would be ok, but I could tell something was wrong. He was visibly in pain, moving in his chair, struggling to speak and breathe and was quickly getting worse.
“I got him into the recovery position, at which point he was no longer speaking and his lips were turning blue. I started CPR. The whole time I was trying to stay calm and focus on keeping him alive.”
As we approach the two year anniversary of the incident, William, who has been a driver for First Bus for more than a decade, scooped the award for First Aid Hero in recognition of his actions.
On winning his award, Billy Bell said: “I am greatly honoured to have won this award. It was a challenging situation but when you have been first aid trained, it gives you the confidence to step in and do what you need to do. I’m so pleased that John is alive and well.”
Glasgow is proving to be an award winning city of lifesavers as along with William, three other locals were honoured at the prestigious Scottish First Aid Awards ceremony on March 31.
From William's remarkable quick thinking, to Baillieston woman Leeanne Cumlin who saved the life of a neighbour's baby and to two exemplary volunteers who spent over 900 hours between them supporting community events, the fantastic four shone light on Glasgow city.
On the night Leeanne, took home a highly commended award for her actions which saved the life of a young baby. Leaving her house for work one morning, she came across a neighbour holding her child in her arms, who appeared limp and blue in colour.
Leanne had recently completed a first aid course and was able to take control of the situation, lying the baby on the ground and starting chest compressions, which she continued for around 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived.
After being presented with her highly commended award, Leeanne said: “I’m so thrilled to have won this award. When faced with a situation like I was, there is no time for hesitation. That mum and baby needed my help and I was very glad to be able to step in and assist. You never know when your skills may come into use but having them is so important.”
Two young Glasgow men were awarded at the Scottish First Aid ceremony for their exceptional volunteering and selfless work within the community. Jamie Ferguson, 22, and Jack Green, 27, were recognised for their first aid excellence and dedication - with both spending over 900 hours between them supporting community events
Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “The very best of the west were recognised on the night, with each individual demonstrating an incredible contribution to first aid.
“They should all feel immensely proud of what they have achieved and know the differences they have made to the lives of others. These awards are all about sharing the tremendous stories of first aid excellence and to shining a spotlight on the value and importance of first aid skills.
“As a first aid charity, our ambition is to create a nation of life-savers in Scotland, so it is great to be able to share these exceptional efforts of everyday people - and hopefully encourage others to take up the opportunity to help save a life too.”
More than 400 people attended the St Andrew's First Aid Scottish First Aid Awards which were held at the Radisson Blue in Glasgow City. The night was hosted by actor, comedian and writer, Sanjeev Kohli, best known for his performance as Navid Harrid from Still Game.
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