Owen Mansel showed great initiative one evening in March and helped save not one but two lives. 

Nineteen years of age at the time, Owen was driving from his friend’s house when he suddenly noticed a man face down in the road. Confronted with a head injury, the ambulance call handler advised that an ambulance would take some time to arrive – and so instinct, coupled with his National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), after 20 minutes Owen decided to take matters into his own hands and drive the casualty to the nearest hospital himself.

Not even 100 yards down the road, a man and his wife waved down Owen’s car asking for help as there is a second casualty in the road – worse for wear as he struggled for breath. Using his first aid training from a previous role as a lifeguard, Owen’s training kicked in and after assessing the man, he performed CPR chest compressions until a paramedic arrives on the scene with the defibrillator. As soon as he was assured the casualty was in good hands, Owen returned to the first casualty in his car and drove him straight to the hospital.

Commenting on Owen’s bravery, Stuart Yeandle, Branch Chair at West Wales, said: “We are all very proud of Owen here at West Wales – and so pleased that his training kicked in and was able to help save two lives. A huge well done!”

Awarded a commendation for his bravery and quick thinking which made all the difference, a round of applause for Owen, whose lifesaving skills came into play not once but twice – you should be very proud of yourself! 

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