A pair of care workers saw their first aid training and quick-thinking kick in to save two people's lives when they saw them collapsed in the street.

The rescues by Sharon Birch and Nicola Braund meant when they came across the patients who had fallen ill, they were given rapid medical attention.

Sharon, 62, from Gravesend, only started her new job eight weeks ago and never expected her training to be put into use so quickly.

She said: "I was in Central London when I saw a man lying in a busy road having seizures.

"A paramedic from a nearby hospital had just arrived at the scene and was supporting the gent with his head, as he was bleeding, so I ran over to help and moved the man’s lower body into the recovery position."

As more paramedics arrived to help the man, Sharon guided traffic around the situation and after the ambulance crews took over and thanked her, she went on her way.

Nicola was out doing her shopping when she saw a man slumped in the road.

She pulled over in her car and donned her PPE before racing to his aid, taking control of the situation and telling flustered members of the public to call an ambulance and raise the alarm.

She applied first aid and put the man in the recovery position while constantly chatting to him until the paramedics and police arrived.

Nicola, 44, from Bexleyheath said: "Thankfully I knew just what to do as I’ve been given many specialist training opportunities in my role as a caregiver at Home Instead, and I felt confident in my abilities.

"I was able to brief the police officer and handed over the emergency services before I went about my shopping.”

The pair work for home care provider Home Instead Dartford which helps provide support for vulnerable and elderly people in their homes to help them live independently.

The company also provides specialist dementia and palliative care and provides all staff with first aid training.

Christina Uppenkamp, co-owner of Home Instead Dartford, added: “I am so proud of Sharon and Nicola. It’s wonderful that our caregivers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and training to help everyday people out in the community – and have the confidence to use it.

"They may think they just did what everyone else would have done but to us they are heroes and should be congratulated."