Reluctant hero caretaker trained in first aid saves life of man who suffered heart attack at Newark Town Hall

A Newark Town Hall official has been praised for his actions in saving a man’s life during an event in the building — and it’s the third time he’s done it.

Pete Tomlinson, the town hall caretaker and mayor’s officer, acted quickly on his first aid training to save the man after his condition rapidly deteriorated, according to a witness.

The incident occurred during a birthday celebration that the town hall ballroom had been booked for.

A large number of older people were present at the event when Pete was called over to a man who felt unwell.

Reluctant hero Pete said: “I was made aware at the bar that a gentleman was not feeling well and I said that I was a first aider and told that my help might be needed.

“It must have been just 30 seconds or so later the gentleman, who I now know to be named Peter, was in difficulties.

“He looked like he had passed out, fainted, and I thought it was possibly down to the heat. He came around and was finally alert.

“I asked if he could stand with the intention of walking him to the balcony for some fresh air. He said he thought he could do that. He took one step and keeled over. He was unresponsive so I cleared the room. An ambulance was called. I began chest compressions. You never forget the sound of the ribs cracking.

“He let out a gasp and then his colour started to return. He became responsive again. By the time the ambulance arrived he was fully responsive.”

Pete said that he was glad Peter had made a full recovery and that he only did what he was trained to do.

However, to his family and to the town hall staff, he is a hero, albeit a reluctant one.

And it turns out that Pete is a good man to be around if you’re suffering a heart attack, as this was the third time he has resuscitated someone — and with a 100% success rate.

The eyewitness, who did not wish to be named, said: “The caretaker then performed CPR and managed to get the man back. When the ambulance arrived, the man was sat up talking.”

Pete hopes to meet Peter again, but under different circumstances, and said: “I’m just hoping that someone would do it for me if the need ever arose.”

Town Clerk Matthew Gleadell, said: “Following the incident, we were all very relieved when we heard the gentleman that had taken ill had survived and was beginning his recovery.

“We were also very proud of the actions of Pete and his response to the incident. Many of us have undergone first aid training however you never really know how you will react to a situation like that. It is testament to Pete and his character he was able to use his first aid skills and assist in saving the man’s life. We wish the gentleman the very best with his recovery and are thankful that Pete was in the right place at the right time.”