Active Luton’s Jordan Batson and Tara Bonnett, whose prompt action saved a young boy’s life in December last year, received a special honour at last night’s Luton Sports Network Awards.
When 14 year-old Rahul Patel collapsed during a PE lesson at Lea Manor Recreation Centre, the onsite staff came to his rescue and alerted the emergency services.
Lifeguard Jordan Batson’s immediate response was to carry out a primary assessment. It was determined that Rahul was not breathing so he quickly started applying Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Emergency services were contacted, and following an additional lifeguard assessment, an onsite defibrillator was collected.
Team Leader Tara Bonnett applied the defibrillator while Jordan continued with CPR. Both staff members continued with CPR until the paramedics arrived and took over and rushed him to hospital.
Two days later Rahul’s breathing tube was removed and he was recovering from the sedation. He was sitting up and talking the following day. He has since had an operation to insert a pacemaker.
Thankfully Rahul is expected to make a full recovery which the doctors have put down to the fast and effective action of Jordon and Tara.
Jordan and Tara were presented with the awards by Rahul’s parents along with other guests which included Lord Bill McKenzie, Luton’s Mayor Cllr Sheila Roden, England women’s football captain Casey Stoney, Luton Sports Network Chair Clive Robins and Active Luton’s Graeme Kent. The awards were held at the Riverside Suite at Venue 360.
Active Luton’s Chief Executive Helen Barnett said: “We are so pleased that Rahul is expected to make a full recovery. It was such a happy moment when he and his mum visited our staff earlier this year to thank them.
“While incidents like this a very rare, it does demonstrate the importance of ensuring our staff are equipped to deal with situations like this. I am honoured that Jordon and Tara have been presented with this award. It is one thing to learn something in training; but applying it in a real lift emergency situation shows real courage.”
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, portfolio holder for sports and arts, said: “Jordon and Tara certainly deserve these awards. This real life experience demonstrates the importance of staff being trained as it ensures that users of our fantastic leisure facilities are in the best possible hands.”