999 call operator saves heart victim

Irene Taylor, 46, from Brynthel, near Abertillery, guided Cheryl Reed, who had no previous first aid experience, through giving her mother cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after she stopped breathing.

Mrs Reed, 45, had called an ambulance when her mother had complained of feeling unwell at her home in Ely, Cardiff.

But her call soon became panic-stricken as the pensioner suffered a cardiac arrest.

Pontypool-based operator Mrs Taylor took control of the situation and calmly used her training to help the worried caller lie her mother on her back, check her airways were clear and perform CPR. An ambulance arrived minutes later and paramedics shocked the patient back to life.

Paramedics said Mrs Taylor's advice and the subsequent mouth-to-mouth and CPR treatment from Mrs Reed had saved her mother's life.

Mrs Taylor, who has only worked as an operator for eight months, said: "It made me feel great when they said the woman was fine and it had worked.

"Cheryl was quite distraught when her mother stopped breathing but she did brilliantly. I had to just stay calm and give some guidance."

The incident on April 1 was the second time Mrs Taylor had played a role in saving the life of a patient having a cardiac arrest. In November she helped save the life of a South Wales pensioner who had collapsed and stopped breathing by explaining to a friend how to give emergency CPR.

Mrs Taylor has received a card from Mrs Reed, thanking her for saving her mother's life.

"Without this lady's help I would have lost my mum. I've never had any CPR or first aid training but she kept me calm and I can't thank her enough."

Mrs Reed's mother was taken to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, and is currently recovering in hospital.

David Lyden, national control manager, praised Mrs Taylor for her actions, saying she did "exceptionally well".

The Pontypool control centre at Mamhilad handles calls from throughout South East Wales.