An off-duty Dundee firefighter saved the life of a fellow golfer who had collapsed with a heart attack on the first tee.
Brian Simpson of Blue Watch, Macalpine Road Fire Station, had just arrived at the driving range at Ballumbie Castle Golf Club on Wednesday August 21 when he heard a shout that a golfer had collapsed nearby after teeing off.
Brian, 52, who was a paramedic before joining the fire service, rushed to the man’s aid and, finding him lying on the ground with no vital signs of life, used his training to administer CPR.
His specialist knowledge kept the man’s vital organs functioning for between 15 and 20 minutes before eventually he managed to successfully revive him.
The ambulance team then arrived to take the stricken golfer, a member of Ballumbie Castle, to Ninewells Hospital where his treatment continued and he eventually made a full recovery.
The Royal Humane Society has now recognised Brian’s heroics by awarding him the Certificate of Commendation at a ceremony at Blackness Road Fire Station.
He was presented with the award by Chief Officer Alasdair Hay.
Local Senior Officer Dave Stapley said: “It appears clear that due to the intervention of Brian’s effective action and proficient skills in first aid prior to the arrival of the Scottish Ambulance Service, the resuscitation of this casualty was successfully achieved.
“To this end I would like to personally commend Brian for his professionalism and moral distinction on that day.”
The Royal Humane Society is a British charity which promotes lifesaving intervention. It was founded in England in 1774 as the Society for the Recovery of Persons Apparently Drowned, for the purpose of rendering first aid in cases of near drowning.
Since its foundation the Royal Humane Society has made more than 85,000 awards. The awards granted include bronze, silver and gold medals and testimonials on vellum or parchment paper.
The society also gives recognition to those who have contributed to the saving or attempted saving of life, though they may not have put their own life at risk with the effort.
Also at the ceremony, 14 firefighters were presented with Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. Fire board member Marieke Dwarshuis performed the closing remarks.