Recruitment
“On the 05:10 train from Paddington to Heathrow on Saturday 4 April, some fellow passengers raised the alarm about a man in his 40s who appeared to be very unwell on the train. The on-board customer service representative(CSR) informed the driver who made the decision to keep travelling towards Heathrow, where there is good medical equipment readily at hand, and excellent emergency processes.
The CSR also called ahead to Brian, who was on duty at Heathrow Central Terminal Area (CTA) and had coincidentally just done his weekly defibrillator check. As soon as the train arrived, Brian boarded the train and attended to the ill passenger. This involved opening the man’s shirt and shaving his chest (without this step the defibrillator would not have worked), using the defibrillator, and administering CPR.
Brian had never used a defibrillator on the platform before, but he took the CSR's advice in bringing one to the scene. He performed CPR for more than 12 minutes, something which the paramedics who later arrived said was “outstanding,†and literally the difference between the man living and dying. The paramedics also explained that Brian put down between 105 and 132 compressions per minute – an extraordinary number.
The man ‘flat-lined,’ in other words died, on the train, and he stopped breathing for an estimated time of seven minutes before Brian resuscitated him. He was later taken to Hillingdon Hospital, and is now recovering well.
All HEx staff are first aid trained to varying levels according to their roles, but it’s nigh on impossible to prepare people for being in a situation such as this. Furthermore, the paramedics who arrived at the scene reiterated how unusual it is to successfully revive someone who has flat-lined.
The actions of Brian Keenan undoubtedly saved a man’s life. When the paramedics arrived, they praised Brian for bringing the man back to life.“
“Dead Man Revived By Hex Staff 04/04/15
Heathrow Express Customer Died on board the Train, Duty Station Manager Brian Keenan revived the 40 year old gentleman. Paramedics Stated Brian should be proud of himself, you brought him back to life. Brian Stated "I wasn’t prepared to get off the train without him - alive“
“An excellent job, great leadership and calmness under pressure and in a very difficult situation. Brian and his team showed exemplary care for a customer when providing CPR which saved the customers life before the paramedics arrived on site.“
“Saved a man’s life who had a heart attack on the train. Brian had to use a defibrillator. There was a lot of pressure on Brian. He not only saved the man’s life, he also had to assist people who were shocked and surprised about what happened (staff and customers). Brian then had to keep the station operation running before he could be relived from his daily duties. The man survived with no brain damage or broken ribs.“
“Lynn Crump's previous nomination tells the story of the incident Brian was involved in.
His courage, confidence and bravery quite simply brought back a life. I have not witnessed this before during my 10 years at Heathrow Express.
Brian should be enormously proud of his achievement here which was the difference between life or death.
This is a fantastic career achievement for Brian and should be acknowledged at a high level.
Well done and congratulations Brian.“
“I was one of the controllers on shift when Brian Keenan saved a man's life.
I liaised with the paramedics until they arrived on the platform to take over.
After the incident I had a few paramedics mention to me that, Brian's skill and training of using the defibrillator, and remaining calm under pressure whilst using it without doubt had saved this mans life.
I mentioned this to Brian and he said, "it was very much a team effort", which it was, but Brian showed great leadership and remained calm under pressure in a difficult situation.
When the man was taking to hospital, Brian's first concern was for the rest of the staff working at the station.
Very well done Brian.“
“Thanking you for organizing the awards on Saturday. They seem to get better year on year. We had staff and clients on our table, who together thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Many thanks for organising a great event and look forward to next years.”
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