Simple techniques that could save a life (From Penarth Times)

Simple techniques that could save a life

VALE grandfather John Byrne owes his life to his wife Doreen.

Had it not been for her quick thinking and basic knowledge of first aid when he started choking on two occasions, he believes he would not be here today.

As a result, the 54-year-old of Laugharne Court, Barry, is urging others to learn first aid skills.

It started after Mr Byrne had part of his lung removed in January due to emphysema. He thought he was on the road to recovery.

But when he left hospital in early April this year, he found that he had difficulty in eating and on two occasions started choking severely.

He said: "It was very frightening. Instead of just coughing it up, it just stopped dead. It was terrifying - I couldn't make it move and I was going blue. But Doreen came running behind me and suddenly it was gone."

Mrs Byrne saved him using the Heimlich Manoeuvre, something she learned ten years ago at basic first aid lessons.

According to learn2.com, which illustrates how to perform the manoeuvre, it is the most effective way to remove something stuck in an adult's or older child's throat.

Mrs Byrne, 52, said: "I'm not sure what went through my mind, but I was pretty calm until it was all over. It was very frightening but at the time I went into overdrive and adrenaline took over.

"It's the first time I've ever had to do anything like that. The second time it happened, he shouted for me and I just ran to him. I was more prepared the second time but it was still awful. I was thinking, 'what happens if the food doesn't come up?', but fortunately it did."

She added: "About ten years ago we looked after disadvantaged teenagers and as part of it we were sent on a first aid course. They showed us the position to take for the Heimlich Manoeuvre, but I never had to use it until for John. I just knew what to do."

Mr Byrne is eternally grateful to his wife of 34 years, with whom he has three children. He said: "At 6ft 1ins and sixteen-and-a-half stones, I am 13 inches taller than Doreen, but she picked me up off the floor to save me.

"I could have and should have choked to death twice, if it wasn't for the way she acted."

Tragically, the two incidents have led to a diagnosis of terminal cancer of the oesophagus in Mr Byrne. He has a growth which will not let food pass unless it is chewed properly.

The grandfather-of-six said: "I've had this diagnosis and there isn't anything they can do now, but at least I have much longer thanks to my wife Doreen and the simple techniques learned years before.

"I guess you can fight things like cancer, but things like choking when you're going to die any second - you really appreciate someone who knows what they're doing."

He said: "I think people should take up first aid, just spend a bit of time and go for it. Once you get into it, it's very interesting and, with the availability of free training, it's definitely something you should learn."

There are many places in and around the Vale where you can learn basic first aid skills. For example, First Aid Supplies and Training (01446 735680), based in Gladstone Road, Barry, offers four-day courses, refresher courses and more.

Additionally, the St John Ambulance National Training Centre (029 2046 1274), based in East Moors Road, Cardiff Bay, offers information on courses.

There are also regular courses organised at venues such as schools or community halls, many of which lead to a three-year St John Ambulance certificate. Keep an eye on editions of this paper for forthcoming courses, often featured in our news in brief columns.

For further information, have a look at the St John Ambulance website (www.sja.org.uk), or why not check out www.bbc.co.uk/health/999 where you can take an online first aid course and pick up useful tips.