Ash Perham, a watch manager at Dagenham Fire Station, was on his way to work in November 2016 when he saw a number of people around a woman on the floor at West Ham station.
“I went over and asked if everything was ok. A woman, who I later found out was visiting from India, had collapsed and as I tilted her head back she went into cardiac arrest.
“I carried out CPR, skills I have gained throughout my career. A police officer brought over a defibrillator and I placed it on her.
“The defibrillator recommended to shock the patient which was really good as it meant there was still a chance of survival.”
Ash continued to give CPR until she was stabilised and taken to hospital. She has since made a full recovery and returned home.
British Transport Police recommended Ash for a Royal Humane Award, which he received at Drapers Hall in the City of London.
“I’m extremely privileged and humbled to receive this award at an amazing ceremony. In August, I will retire after 30 years service and this is a fitting end to my career.
“The most important thing though is that she has survived thanks largely to having a defibrillator nearby for me to use.
“Every fire engine carries a defibrillator as part of the Immediate Emergency Care equipment and the more of these life-saving devices that can be easily located the better.”
A very well done to Watch Manager Ash Perham from White Watch Dagenham receiving a Royal Humane Society Award today at Drapers Hall, London. On the 24th November 2016 he performed CPR on a lady who had collapsed at West Ham Underground Station and saved her life . Nice one Ash. pic.twitter.com/arDrSvJDBc
— LFB Barking & Dagenham (@LFBBarkDag) February 19, 2019
A British Transport Police spokesman said: “We’re immensely proud to have nominated Ash for this award.
“He showed exceptional professionalism in savings this woman’s life, remaining calm and using the skills he’s learned over a lifelong career to ensure she had every chance of survival.
“We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Speaking to Time 107.5, Ash said that people shouldn’t be scared to use a defibrillator if they find themselves in a similar situation.
“It will run through the steps and give you very precise instructions,” he said. “I do understand that, for members of the public, it is quite a frightening experience.
“You certainly couldn’t make it worse for the person. The person isn’t going to survive without that defibrillator.”
He added that information on basic training with the devices could be found online and “one day could be important to someone.”
You can hear more from Ash in the news on Time 107.5 tomorrow from 7am.
