A Cumbrian on-call firefighter has been given a national award for saving a man’s life while off-duty.
Dan Clements, a watch manager, has been presented with a Certificate of Commendation from the Royal Humane Society for performing life-saving CPR on a member of the public.
On June 17 last year, Dan was off duty and saw a man on Mary Street, Longtown, collapse.
Using his skills that he had acquired as an on-call firefighter, Dan administered CPR on the man, who had gone into cardiac arrest.
Dan continued to provide CPR on his own for around 15 minutes before an ambulance from Carlisle arrived, taking the man to the city’s Cumberland Infirmary, where he made a full recovery.
Paramedics who attended the incident said without Dan’s actions, the man would not have survived.
Dan was presented with his certificate at Longtown Fire Station by Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Brian Steadman.
The ceremony was attended by the fire crew based at Longtown, group manager Angela Opie, station manager Anthony Rooney, recently retired watch manager Kevin Byers and Dan’s wife, Karen.
Dan said: “I was just on scene at the right time and used the skills I have to keep the member of the public alive.”
Anthony nominated Dan for the award.
He said: “I nominated Dan as he represents what it means to be an on-call firefighter, how important their role and skills are and highlights that a firefighter is always on-call in their community.
“Dan exhibited courage and bravery by stepping in and using his skills to save a life, and I’m sure the member of the public and his family are really grateful for his actions.
“We are all exceptionally proud of Dan for stepping up in a moment where he was needed, despite being off duty.
“I want to congratulate Dan for receiving this award and I am pleased that he has received recognition for his efforts.”
