‘Bravery’ of first aiders who fought to save colleague

Brian’s daughter Terri (centre) presents bravery certificates to Magda and Julie

The courageous actions of three of our colleagues have been acknowledged during a special ceremony at Granby headquarters.

Hassan Islam (a temporary Production Operative) was alone with Brian Longden, one of our security officers, when Brian suddenly became ill. Hassan raised the alarm and stayed with him until two of our first aiders arrived on the scene.

Julie Crompton (Senior Production Operative) and Magdalena Klodnicka (Production Administrator) took it in turns to give Brian CPR until the paramedics arrived. The paramedics continued to treat him for another 40 minutes on site, before taking him to hospital. Sadly, despite everyone’s efforts, Brian passed away.

Our Managing Director, Joanne Kimber, said: “Magda, Julie and Hassan did everything they possibly could and gave him the best chance of survival. But tragically, Brian, who was only 65, had suffered a massive heart attack.

“This award is to recognise how brave they were and thank them for being first aiders. When we go off for first aid training, we imagine we’ll only be putting a plaster on a cut. Sometimes it means we find ourselves trying to save the life of someone we know.”

“When we go off for training, we imagine we’ll only be putting a plaster on a cut. Sometimes it means we find ourselves trying to save the life of someone we know.”

Brian’s daughter, Terri, attended the event and presented Magda and Julie our certificates of recognition of their actions. She had previously visited Granby the day after her dad died, with a thank you card for the colleagues who had looked after him in his last moments.

“Brian will be missed and what happened has left its mark,” Jo added. “It’s also shown us how valuable first aiders are in the workplace. With this recognition comes respect for those of us that make the commitment and have this big responsibility. Granby has 10 first aiders. I just want you to know, you’re all brilliant. Thank you.”

Brian, who lived locally and had worked for Granby for more than 10 years, was laid to rest in October – read more about him and his legacy.