CIOB member’s first aid training saves passer-by’s life on the street

James Shannon MCIOB’s quick actions saved a life

A quick thinking CIOB member saved the life of a passer-by thanks to first aid skills he picked-up on industry training courses, and has urged others in the industry to get trained up or keep their skills refreshed.

James Shannon MCIOB, a pre-construction director on Lend lease’s residential scheme at Elephant & Castle in south London, was driving near his home last week in Faversham, Kent, when he spotted a man in distress who had collapsed on the pavement. 

Shannon said: “They had put the man, who looked in his sixties, in the recovery position but no-one seemed to know what to do next.

“I could tell he wasn’t breathing properly then checked for a pulse and there wasn’t one. I started CPR and pumping his heart with my hands until the paramedics arrived.”

“They let me carry-on as they got the defibrillator but he started breathing without the need to shock him.”

The emergency services congratulated Shannon for saving the man’s life as he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Shannon, who is also Branch Novus Chair for the South East, maintains that health and safety, as well as being important in the construction industry, is something everyone can learn. “I keep up with first aid training regularly and go on a four-day course every four years,” he said.

“It’s very important to be able to help someone on site, but just as important to have the skills to use off site as well. I was just happy my training paid off in this situation.”