Blackburn College student saves passer-by

Student to the rescue

A student sprang into action when a passer-by collapsed on Blackburn College campus last week.

Blackburn College student Zahra Royle Mohammed, who is studying A-Levels, administered CPR and was able to resuscitate the lady whilst other Blackburn College students called for the ambulance and helped clear the area for the Paramedics to arrive.

Zahra, 17, a former student at Skipton Girls High School said:

“I couldn’t believe it was happening right in front of me. I’ve been attending first aid classes for about a year now but as yet haven’t had to administer any other than for minor cuts and scrapes at events such as running – but nothing as intense as this.

Zahra, who is studying A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Religious Studies added: “I didn’t really have chance to think about what was happening, my priority was to get involved and help.”

Zahra has been going to the group Chorley’s Angel’s since November 2017 to learn First Aid.

She said: “When the lady started breathing again it was amazing and then the ambulance soon arrived.”

Zahra has been praised by Blackburn College staff for her swift actions and presented with a Certificate of Thanks by College leaders.

Andrew Pickles, Assistant Principal (Student Support and Engagement) at Blackburn College said:

“We’re incredibly impressed and proud that Zahra was able to respond so quickly and able to resuscitate the member of the public.

“It clearly showed the importance of studying First Aid as before College staff members had arrived, Zahra had already taken control of the situation and her peers had started to clear the area and contact the emergency services.”

Zahra is now encouraging other students to attend First Aid courses. She added:

“I first got into First Aid as I want to move on to study Medicine after my A-Levels and it was a way of growing my knowledge.”

“I guess my story shows that accidents and incidents can happen anywhere and at any time and I’m really grateful for the training I’ve received from Chorley’s Angels to give me the skills and confidence to perform CPR.”

“I really hope people will read my story and it will encourage them to search out First Aid groups and training.”