Altrincham firefighter is dubbed a hero - again (From Messenger Newspapers)

Firefighter Gary Lovatt saves elderly man's life in Altrincham heart attack

12:27pm Tuesday 12th June 2012 in News

A BRAVE firefighter has been dubbed a hero for the second time this year after he helped save the life of an elderly man in Altrincham.

Gary Lovatt, from Lymm, had stopped in the town, after giving a fire safety presentation at a local nursery, when his life-saving skills were needed.

The 39-year-old was walking with the Green Watch crew, from Altrincham Fire Station, when he noticed a 70-year-old man slumped on a bench at around 11am on Friday morning (June 8).

The father-of-one immediately went over to assist the man and, after realising he was in trouble, radioed for back-up.

Crew Manager Tony Sheldon said: “Gary realised the man was unconscious and had stopped breathing so shouted for us to bring the first aid bag while he started CPR.

“We suspect he was having a heart attack and just worsened right in front of us.”

Gary and two colleagues used the defibrillator on the man, whilst others called for an ambulance.

A crowd began to gather as Gary fought to save the man’s life.

By the time paramedics arrived, the crew had managed to get the man breathing again and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man is now believed to be in a stable condition in hospital.

This is the second time that Gary has proved himself a hero this year. In March, Gary was also part of the team that rescued a family from a sinking car in Bridgewater Canal.

Gary had to perform CPR on 65-year-old Patricia Seddon after the BMW her son was driving plunged into the canal.

Area Manager Warren Pickstone has praised Gary’s quick thinking. He said: “Gary did not hesitate when he saw he could help – he immediately put his skills and training to use and with the aid of the team, brought this man back to life.

“The team had been carrying out Home Safety Checks and giving fire safety talks to children – aiming to prevent fires in the future and save lives – when they had to act there and then to save this man: showing that while prevention is a big focus, our firefighters are always ready for an emergency.”