04/11/2025
Only two days after completing her first aid training, Debbie from our Sittingbourne store was called to do CPR on bakery colleague Tara who'd collapsed with an angina attack.
Debbie was helped by fellow first aider 19-year-old Tyler, who calmly relayed advice and instructions to her from a 999 call handler. Tara said: "I'd like to say a massive thank you to them both for what they did on that day. If it wasn't for them I don't know what would have happened. Having first aiders in the store is just so important. I was putting cookies on a shelf and all of a sudden I got a pain in my chest, going down my arm and I just blacked out. I don't remember much of it at all."
Tara spent 17 days in Medway Hospital where she underwent various tests and scans. She's now back at work, but is on medication. Debbie said: "I passed my first aid training on the Thursday and Tara's episode was on the Saturday – two days later! I wasn't expected to use that part of my training. I thought I'd just be doing cuts, grazes, burns that sort of thing. When I was doing the compressions I was actually crying as it was so upsetting as I've known Tara for a long time. I'm just glad that she was okay."
Both Debbie and Tyler have been nominated for Asda service superstar awards for their actions. Asda Sittingbourne store manager Shah said: "I'm incredibly proud of both Debbie and Tyler for stepping in and administering CPR. Their calm and decisive actions were a testament to their training and compassion and we are all grateful and proud for their efforts to help our colleague."