Sidmouth Lifeboat crew member receives award for life-saving first aid

A member of Sidmouth's lifeboat crew has received a Royal Humane Society award for helping to save the life of a Russian student who fell ill on Sidmouth beach in 2019.

Martin Barnard took swift action when the 14-year-old student, who was with a group from Sidmouth International School, collapsed on the beach in July 2019.

While she was being cared for by schoolteachers and other members of the public, Martin and a colleague rushed to the scene with a resuscitation kit containing oxygen, which was administered immediately. He also assisted with CPR whilst the emergency services arrived.

The girl was flown to hospital by air ambulance and later transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma, but within two days her condition improved.

It emerged that she had suffered a heart-related medical incident, and the consultant in charge of her care made it clear that the timely and professional actions of Martin and the others who came to her aid not only saved her life, but also ensured that she is able to continue living a normal life.

In response to the award, Martin said: "A lot of people came together that day to provide the first aid and ongoing care that saved her life - others are being recognised with the same award, but on a different day.

"I'm just thankful that because of the public support for Sidmouth Lifeboat, I had some knowledge and equipment that could help."