A community nurse has been awarded an ESNEFT commendation for her quick actions in saving a disabled man’s life after he suffered a seizure and lost consciousness by a busy road.
Anna Gooding, who cares for our patients in Ipswich, was driving back to her base at Constantine House when she saw the man who had fallen from his wheelchair near Stoke Bridge, in Ipswich.
She stopped her car and called an ambulance, only for the man to stop breathing during the call.
Anna immediately started CPR and, after a while the man regained consciousness, before the ambulance arrived.
Anna Gooding.
Anna, who has worked at ESNEFT for 33 years and is retiring in September, said: “The adrenaline kicks in but then your training takes over and you do what needs to be done, especially when people who are crowded around and trying to help see you wearing a uniform.
“You just hope the ambulance arrives quickly and you start trying to save the patient’s life.
“It’s only afterwards you think about what happened and process it, but I would always stop and help.
“My main thought was wondering what happened to the man.”
Anna, who previously worked on Haughley Ward at Ipswich Hospital, has spent the last decade working as a community nurse and was described as a “hero” by lead community nurse Laura Ward, who nominated her.
Laura said: “Anna noticed a member of the public in trouble and provided CPR, bringing him back to consciousness.
“She then came back to work and carried on without any fuss, not seeking any recognition, and just continued planning her afternoon visits.
“This award is a true testament to a nurse who has dedicated her career to her patients and, retiring in two months, what a lovely way to finish her career. She is a nursing hero and we will miss her, as will the whole community.”
Anna celebrates her award stood with ESNEFT interim chief executive Adrian Marr, lead community nurse Laura Ward, and members of the community team.
ESNEFT Interim Chief Executive Adrian Marr, who presented Anna with the commendation, said: “I am so pleased that a member of our staff has gone completely beyond what is required of her, went and helped a man and effectively saved his life, having taken immediate action and liaised with the ambulance.
“It was really good work from Anna, from beginning to end and I am proud to present this commendation to her. She really deserves it.”
Patients, family member, visitors or staff members can nominate a colleague for a Commendation award.