QA Hospital A&E worker saved colleague's life

WHEN Craig Dodd's colleague collapsed and stopped breathing while working in Queen Alexandra Hospital's emergency department, he jumped into action and started CPR.
Winners and highly-commended staff at Queen Alexandra Hospital's Best People Awards 2017     Picture: Portsmouth Hospitals NHS TrustWinners and highly-commended staff at Queen Alexandra Hospital's Best People Awards 2017     Picture: Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Winners and highly-commended staff at Queen Alexandra Hospital's Best People Awards 2017 Picture: Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

His composure and quick response saved the life of Jose Amorim who has since recovered from the cardiac arrest earlier this year.

And on Thursday, Craig’s quick-thinking and life-saving actions were celebrated at the Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Best People Awards.

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Craig, an emergency medical assistant in A&E, was given a standing ovation when he collected his Chief Executive Outstanding Achievement Award.

He was one of many winners at the ceremony highlighting the individuals and teams at QA Hospital, in Cosham, who have excelled and gone above and beyond.

Hundreds of people were nominated for various categories with around 40 people either highly commended or named as winners at the Guildhall celebration.

Speaking about why Craig won, trust chief executive Mark Cubbon said: ‘In March while Craig was working his colleague collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.

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‘Craig rushed to Jose, summoned help and started CPR. With the help of another colleague, they got him on a trolley and into the resuscitation room where he got emergency life-saving treatment.

Craig Dodd, right, with Jose Amorim, whose life he saved, and, left, Mark Cubbon, chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS TrustCraig Dodd, right, with Jose Amorim, whose life he saved, and, left, Mark Cubbon, chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Craig Dodd, right, with Jose Amorim, whose life he saved, and, left, Mark Cubbon, chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

‘Thanks to Craig and the team in ED, Jose is well and back at work in the department.

‘The cardiac arrest could have been fatal if it was not for Craig and his quick-thinking and life-saving CPR.

‘There is not doubt that he saved Jose’s life.’

Craig, who worked as a porter at QA Hospital for eight years before becoming an emergency medical assistant a year ago, did not know he was getting the award and said it was a complete shock.

Craig Dodd, right, with Jose Amorim, whose life he saved, and, left, Mark Cubbon, chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS TrustCraig Dodd, right, with Jose Amorim, whose life he saved, and, left, Mark Cubbon, chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Craig Dodd, right, with Jose Amorim, whose life he saved, and, left, Mark Cubbon, chief executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
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The 32-year-old, from Havant, said: ‘What I did that day was an instant reaction. I didn’t have time to think after Jose collapsed, I just did it.

‘I had no idea about the award, I thought I was here just supporting the team.

‘It was a complete surprise and makes me feel valued. I really appreciate it.’

Craig was presented his award on stage by Jose who said: ‘I am forever grateful to Craig for saving my life.’

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