Off-duty nurse saved man’s life while out shopping at Touchwood – then looked after him in hospital

A nurse who saved the life of a great-grandad whilst out shopping, then went on to care for him at the hospital where she works, has been given a special award by her bosses.

Kelly King watched in horror as James Cooper collapsed in Costa at Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull, and leapt into action to give him CPR and administer the on-site defibrillator.

Shortly afterwards he was rushed to Heartlands Hospital where he was transferred to ward six – where Kelly worked.

She went on to care for him throughout his recovery.

James, from Hollywood, said he was astonished to learn the person who saved his life was one of the nurses that was caring for him.

He explained: “I had been unconscious for about two days so when I woke up and learned about Kelly I thought it was the most amazing thing.

“She came to see how I was and it was lovely and the most tremendous feeling of disbelief.

“I hugged and kissed her, I was that overwhelmed by it all. It was a case of right place, right time. I can’t thank her enough.”

Wife Margaret, 81, added: “We were told soon after Jim had been brought in that it was a nurse called Kelly who had saved him in Starbucks, but we didn’t get to meet her until two days later when she was back on shift.

“I was so shocked to learn that she worked in the hospital and would be part of Jim’s care.”

The couple had been in Touchwood when James told his wife he was going to use the toilet in Starbucks while she went to meet her sister.

It was then that he collapsed.

“I was standing in the coffee shop when everything went blank. I don’t remember feeling any pain,” he explained

He was taken to Heartlands, but Margaret was unaware of what had just happened.

She continued: “I started searching for Jim and couldn’t find him anywhere. We even put out a call on the tannoy for him. I called my daughter who managed to find out what had happened to him by ringing his mobile phone.

“My sister and I took a taxi to the hospital where I saw him just lying there with a swollen face. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

A few hours later she was told about the heroic actions of Kelly.

“When I finally met her I threw my arms around her. It was the most awesome moment in my life. And we have been firm friends ever since,” added Margaret, who has three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Kelly said of the experience: “It threw me quite a bit as I had no team with me but luckily I was able to use the automatic defibrillator in Touchwood. It was just instinct.”

Kelly was awarded a Compassion Card by the hospital, which are given to staff who are nominated by their colleagues or members of the public for demonstrating particular kindness, empathy and regularly going the extra mile for their patients.

he nurse added: “It has been wonderful to see James again and I’m overwhelmed to be recognised in this way.”

Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/health/how-duty-nurse-saved-life-11961672