15 Jan Hammersmith Heroes 2025: a life-saving story
When we launched our Hammersmith Heroes campaign for 2025, we were expecting outstanding stories of customer service. But we were astounded when our winning entry was a life-saving act by a team member of Santander which highlights the dedication and care of Hammersmith’s hardworking retail and hospitality staff.
Brigid was working at Santander on King Street a few days before Christmas when a customer by the ATM outside collapsed. She administered CPR and used a defibrillator at the guidance of the 999 operator to save his life. Brigid was nominated by two Santander customers who witnessed her heroic actions.
When we met Brigid to present her with her prize and certificate, she said:
“My colleague ran to get me, as I’m a trained first aider, when a man had a cardiac arrest right outside the branch on King Street just before Christmas. In the moment, you’re not noticing anything else that’s going on around you, or any crowds gathering. I was focused on helping this gentleman. My first aid training from St John’s Ambulance three years ago was crucial and in fact I’m due a refresher this year! Everyone should make sure they know first aid basics and where your nearest defibrillators are.”
We’re pleased to say that Brigid is in touch with the gentleman and he is doing well recovering at home.
British Heart Foundation statistics say that figures for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are stark: in 2022, only 8% of patients survived for 30 days afterwards, so Brigid’s actions undoubtably saved a man’s life.
There are a number of publicly available defibrillators in Hammersmith, and Brigid used the one located inside Livat Hammersmith. The Hammersmith BID team will be reviewing how we can best support the town centre’s network of defibrillators and publicise their locations. All defibrillators must be registered with the London Ambulance Service so that the can be located and used during 999 calls.
Congratulations are in order for our 2nd and 3rd place winners too. The hardworking Snappy Snaps team won the most nominations, and Richard at Tesco in the Broadway Centre was our worthy third winner for his longstanding cheerful service.
Read all of our Hammersmith Heroes nomination stories here.