Keith Binks, a client of home care provider Caremark (Redcar & Cleveland) is lucky to be alive, and this was down to the quick-thinking actions of his care worker, Elaine McQuillan.

Elaine found Mr Binks, a resident of the Jubilee Court extra care housing scheme in Eston, North Yorkshire, slumped unconscious in a chair in the residents’ communal area.  Unable to find a pulse she immediately began CPR and continued for ten minutes, managing to re-start his heart by the time paramedics arrived on the scene

Mr Binks had no idea of what had taken place and was surprised to wake up and find himself in hospital.  It was then he was told about Elaine’s life-saving actions.

Reflecting on events, he said: “I remember very little other than it was the day of my birthday and that I was sitting in a chair in the lounge.

“The next thing I knew I was waking up in hospital and was told that Elaine had brought me back to life.  I am so grateful to her, although I was disappointed when I found out that she hadn’t given me the kiss of life as well,” joked Mr Binks.

Recalling the dramatic moments Elaine said: “I remember someone shouting that Keith was unconscious in his chair and I ran over and could feel no pulse.  Along with colleagues we managed to get him on the floor and I started to do chest compressions.  It seemed like I was doing it forever, but it was actually around ten minutes and Keith started to groan so I kept going until the paramedics arrived.

“At the time I didn’t fully understand the gravity of the situation but my training and adrenaline kicked in and I am so glad that I was able to help Keith,” she concluded.

Once in hospital it was discovered that Mr Binks had a heart murmur which was the cause of his heart stopping.  He was fitted with a pacemaker and is now safely back at Jubilee Court.

Charles Folkes, Managing Director of Caremark (Redcar & Cleveland), said: “What Elaine did was nothing short of sensational and we are all very proud of her.  Not many people can say they have saved someone’s life.

“Staff have to undergo continuous training when they are with us and this includes first aid, so this demonstrates the importance of ongoing training in the care sector.”

Caremark (Redcar & Cleveland) provide bespoke care and support to people of all ages and abilities in their own homes enabling them to live safely and independently.