Off-duty hospital staff member commended for CPR response during public emergency in Wirral

The Countess of Chester Hospital has highlighted the importance of CPR training for the whole community and emotional support for staff.

A trainee advanced clinical practitioner from Countess of Chester Hospital has been recognised for her quick-thinking and professionalism after performing CPR during a medical emergency while off duty.

Claire Slater, who works in acute medicine and is trained in advanced life support, was leaving a retail park in the Wirral on Tuesday 5 August when she witnessed an individual in medical distress. Despite being out of uniform and without clinical equipment, Claire assessed the situation, initiated CPR, and coordinated with bystanders to call emergency services and assist with a defibrillator.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after, and the individual showed signs of improvement. Claire later described the experience as “completely like a fish out of water,” highlighting the emotional toll of responding in a public setting without her usual clinical support.

“I knew I had the skills, but without my usual team and equipment, it was incredibly daunting. The pressure of being the medically trained person on the scene was intense. I can’t imagine how overwhelming that would feel for someone without clinical experience,” Claire said.

Dr Nigel Scawn, Medical Director at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“Claire’s actions exemplify the courage and professionalism we see in our staff every day. Her ability to respond so effectively in a high-pressure situation is truly commendable.”

Recognising the need to process the event, Claire reached out to the hospital’s Resuscitation Team for support. Jess Gould, Resus Officer, provided a personal debrief and reassurance.

Claire said: 

“Jess helped me understand that my feelings were normal and gave me space to talk through what happened.” 

The Trust’s Resuscitation Team prioritises staff wellbeing, offering emotional support even when incidents occur outside the hospital.

John Bethel, Head of Clinical Education and Resuscitation Services, said: 

“Claire’s wellbeing matters. Supporting staff in this way reflects our commitment to emotional care as well as clinical excellence.”

Claire’s experience highlights the importance of support for anyone who has given CPR.

She later discovered the British Heart Foundation’s resource for those processing such events: 

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/support-if-youve-given-cpr

In a timely development, The Trust has announced the arrival of Sim Man, a new CPR training mannikin funded through charitable donations received from The Ursula Keyes Trust Fund (£50,000) and the Countess of Chester Hospital Fund (£46,000). Sim Man offers enhanced simulation capabilities that mimic real-life cardiac arrest scenarios with startling realism.

Sim Man is part of a broader investment in high-tech, interactive CPR training led by the hospital’s Resuscitation Team, which brings over 25 years of combined expertise. The team delivers immersive, hands-on sessions using advanced equipment such as feedback-enabled defibrillators and illuminated mannikins that guide correct technique.

John Bethel, Head of Clinical Education and Resuscitation Services added:

“We want staff to feel confident and competent in delivering CPR wherever they are. Watching someone go from nervous to confident during a session is incredibly rewarding.”

The team also plays a vital role in supporting staff during and after real-life emergencies, offering follow-up support and debriefs to help them process what can be highly emotional experiences.

CPR training for the public: Restart a Heart returns to Chester this autumn

The Countess of Chester Hospital continues to champion public CPR training. Over the past three years, more than 1,000 people have taken part in sessions delivered by the Trust.

This year’s Restart a Heart event will take place on Tuesday 14 October, from 10am to 2pm in the gardens of Chester Cathedral. The day will feature hands-on activities, information leaflets, and take-home resources for all ages.

With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK, early CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. The Trust aims to build public confidence in starting CPR and using a defibrillator, empowering individuals to act when every second counts.

Reflecting on her experience of doing community CPR, Claire shared:

“The situation was chaotic and emotionally overwhelming. I’m currently in the final weeks of my master’s degree, and this experience has made me consider exploring ways to better support people who find themselves in similar situations.

“One of the hardest parts has been not knowing what happened to the patient afterwards. I truly hope they’re doing well.”

Pictured - from left to right - Jess Gould and Claire Slater.