Theo, who lives with his parents in Blackfield, suffered a seizure in the early hours of the morning prompting a 999 call for help.
Firefighter Lee Cridland was on-duty as a co-responder when the call came in, and within minutes was on the scene and able to provide Theo with oxygen, start initial treatment and stop the seizures before the ambulance arrived.
Following a thorough handover of the situation, Lee passed Theo into the care of South Central Ambulance Service, and returned home to await the next call an hour after his initial mobilisation.
This week, Theo and his parents visited their hero, Lee, at the on-call fire station in Hardley.
Jamie, Theo’s mum, said:
“Sadly this isn’t the first time Theo has suffered a seizure. We are new to the area, and where we lived before we had to wait an hour before help arrived, leading to Theo being admitted into the PICU.
“Within minutes of our call this time Lee was here and managed to stop the seizures before the ambulance even arrived, something which hasn’t happened before.
“Theo was home the next day, and we are so grateful to Lee for everything he did and the service that people like him provide.”
Co-responder and on-call firefighter, Lee Cridland said:
“It was brilliant to be reunited with Theo, who was looking much better than the last time I saw him.
“It isn’t often we get to hear the outcome of the call-outs we go to, so to find out Theo was out of hospital the very next day, was brilliant news.
“As co-responders we often arrive first on the scene of medical emergencies in our community, begin the vital initial treatment stage and then handover to our SCAS colleagues once the ambulance arrives.”
The co-responding partnership with South Central Ambulance Service sees Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service firefighters respond to life-threatening medical emergencies, providing patient care prior to an ambulance resource attending the incident.
The on-call firefighters based in rural locations are able to utilise the HIWFRS Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) capability and equipment, making a difference in their local communities.
Our Medical Response team recently hosted an event to recognise the dedication of our co-responders and cardiac response teams.
Around 70 firefighters attended the occasion and were presented with a certificate of recognition for their commitment and valued work in the community.
Station Manager for Response and Health Andy Walford said:
“I appreciate everything Lee did during this incident, his actions saw him make a real difference to the lives of Theo and his family.
“Due to his hard work and dedication, not only on this occasion but all the callouts he attends, he makes our community safer. Thank you, Lee.
“Our co-responders and cardiac response teams provide vital support to our ambulance services and in many cases can provide the patient with lifesaving intervention much more quickly than ambulance teams.
“They are lifesavers in our local communities, and we held the event to thank and recognise them for their work.”
Find out more about our co-responders on our website.
