18-year old Dominic Jones awarded Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate
Prompt and effective action by the young rower from Isle of Ely RC played a crucial role in saving the life of a member of the public
Dominic Jones and his father were walking towards the rowing club on a Sunday morning in June 2023 when they encountered a man lying on the ground with another man kneeling next to his head. There were also two women nearby, one of whom was on the phone to eth emergency services. Dominic insisted that they should stop to see if they can help. He reminded his father that he was first aid trained.
As they approached the man on the ground, it became obvious that it was more serious than a fall. The casualty was lifeless, and his eyes were open and unblinking. The other man was talking to him trying to get a response, but there was none.
“Dominic’s prompt action was life saving. He set a marvellous example for all of us at Isle of Ely RC and we are privileged to have him as a member.” – Isle of Ely RC President Derek Pickersgill
Dominic calmly explained he had first aid training and then completed the appropriate initial checks. Undeterred by no signs of life, he repositioned the man and started CPR. The woman on the phone explained what was happening and put it on speaker. The emergency operator started counting. Dominic’s timings were correct. The operator then asked Dominic to count out loud, which he did, to confirm to her what he was doing.
The ambulance arrived and the Paramedics took over. The ambulance defibrillator was deployed as the man had a shockable Ventricular Fibrillation rhythm. A First Responder who is also a member of the rowing club worked with the ambulance technicians and achieved a return of circulation and unassisted breathing. The man remained stable when moved to the ambulance. It is understood he was to be transferred to hospital and that he has recovered.
The Royal Humane Society has since awarded Domic a Resuscitation Certificate in recognition of his actions that day. This was presented to him at the rowing club on Sunday by British Rowing’s Honorary Rowing Safety Adviser, Stephen Worley.
About the Royal Humane Society
The Royal Humane Society is a charity that grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life and also for the restoration of life by resuscitation.
The Society was founded in London in 1774 by two eminent medical men, William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, who were keen to promote techniques of resuscitation. It became apparent that people were putting their own lives in danger rescuing others and they felt that these acts of bravery should be recognised.
The Society also recognises people who have contributed to the saving or attempted saving of life, though they may not have put their own life at risk. Resuscitation certificates may be granted to those who, though not professionally trained to do so, carry out a successful resuscitation.
