Cestria Care Services Proves to be a real life saver
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A grandfather has praised quick thinking alarm centre staff and the emergency services who helped to save his life after he was taken seriously ill at home.
Daniel Smith collapsed at his home in Cotswold Avenue, Chester-le-Street, after developing breathing difficulties in the early hours of the morning.
The 71-year-old was able to press the button to the Cestria Care alarm service who called out paramedics to his home.
Mr Smith said: “I thought I would never have to use the alarm. I only got it for reassurance, but it has turned out to be a real lifesaver.
“The staff were excellent and were able to reassure me that help was on the way. The paramedics then saved my life. I am so grateful to both the Cestria Care staff and the paramedics.”
The grandfather-of-four was taken to the University of Durham on the morning of Saturday 28 November where he spent several days being treated.
Mr Smith’s daughter, Linda Holt, said: “If the centre staff and paramedics hadn’t acted so quickly, the circumstances could have been so much different. We are so grateful to everyone involved and are now just looking forward to spending Christmas with dad.”
The alarm service, which is operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is run by social housing provider, Cestria Community Housing on behalf of the Durham and District Supporting People Partnership and is available to anyone who feels at risk in their home because of age, disability, isolation, illness or vulnerability.
Cath Puckering, Support Worker for Cestria Care, said: “The service is accessed by over 2,300 residents across the district and our staff are fully trained to deal with all emergencies.
“It is great to be recognised by someone we have helped and it is on occasions like this that we realise we are helping to save lives. We are delighted that the service we have provided and the quick thinking of our staff has helped to save Mr Smith’s life.”
An Ambulance spokesperson said: “Daniel’s quick thinking almost certainly saved his life. By pressing the alarm to Cestria Care, who in turn acted very fast and called 999, made sure he got a very fast response as it was categorised as a life threatening call because of his severe breathing problems.
“The ambulance crew arrived on scene within three minutes and immediately began treatment then Daniel was taken to the University Hospital at Durham.
NEAS Director of Operations, Paul Liversidge said: “In cases such as breathing problems it is very important to call 999 and get emergency treatment as it could save your life like it has in Daniel’s case. We are so pleased he is recovering well”.
The Cestria Care alarm service is available to all residents across the District. You do not need to be a tenant of Cestria Community Housing to access; you can be a private tenant or a house owner. For more information, please contact the team at Cestria Care on 0191 385 1986
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