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A care worker put her recently acquired first aid skills to the test after coming to the rescue of a pensioner taken ill in a cafe.
Jennie Kemp, from Dartford , began working as caregiver for Swanscombe-based home care provider Home Instead four months ago.
As part of her specialist training the 29-year-old underwent courses tailored to her profession covering everything from administering first aid to more in depth dementia training.
But it wasn't long until the care giver was called into action in a real life scenario after visiting her local cafe Bella Valenzia in Dartford High Street.
Jennie had been sat at the back with family when she noticed several people looking at a lady who had slumped unconscious at her table.
The lady’s friend looked distressed and confused and so the care worker rushed to assist.
Using her newly acquired first aid training she managed to position the unconscious woman safely, sitting with her until she came around.
Once the pensioner had regained consciousness, Jennie kept her speaking and comforted her while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
Whilst keeping her company the care worker learned that the lady had been having a particularly tough time recently and so she offered words of comfort and reassurance.
Jennie said: “As soon as I saw the lady sitting unconscious, my caring instincts kicked in and I knew immediately that I had to help, so I rushed over to her.
"Her friend and the lady herself were so grateful that I was able to talk to the emergency services and administer first aid, and I felt happy to be able to help them at such a scary time. "
“I knew that I could help 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.
The care worker credited the crucial role her training had played in helping her to keep the woman safe.
Christina Uppenkamp, co-owner of Home Instead Dartford, said: “Its so lovely to see that our caregivers are able to use their skills to help everyday people out in the community.
"Seeing that our training provides transferable skills that help our caregivers care for a wide range of people really gives us a sense of pride that what we do really makes a difference. Well done to Jennie!”
