EPUT team manager recognised for award after making life-saving two mile dash

Team manager Mark Hayes went more than the extra mile – sprinting two - to help a patient who had taken a suspected heroin overdose.

And for his ‘heroic’ efforts he was recognised in Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s quality awards receiving this year’s Governor Award.

Mark was on duty as Team Manager at Essex Specialist Treatment and Recovery Service (STaRS) when he was alerted that a patient had collapsed after a suspected heroin overdose.

He acted instantly and ran two miles - despite having recently been discharged himself from hospital - to give an emergency drug to reverse the effects of the overdose.

He then stayed with the patient, supporting and stabilising them until emergency services arrived.

Mark’s swift actions saved the patient’s life and were a testimony to his commitment to helping improve the lives of others.

Recalling the event when a friend of the patient ran into the STaRS office in Chelmsford and asked for help, Mark said: “I’m no hero. I just did my job.

“I grabbed a pack of the emergency medication naloxone and called for an ambulance as I was running. I found the patient two miles up the road, he was semi-conscious after taking an overdose.

“I broke into the pack of naloxone and after giving an initial dose flagged down a police car. I kept him conscious and reassured him while we waited for the ambulance.”

Mark only realised what he had achieved when colleague Linda Waldron, who herself administered the drug earlier this year, later told him he had saved the man’s life.

EPUT Lead Governor John Jones  said: “We are extremely proud of the incredible lengths Mark went to so that he could save the man’s life. He literally went the extra mile, two in fact, to help, and because of that he is, in our eyes, a hero.”

Mark’s manager Adrian Kirkby said: “I’m rarely surprised when I hear Mark has championed a patient’s needs but I was amazed to hear about this selfless, life-saving and inspirational action.

“‘Heroic is a term I have heard used regularly by STaRS’ staff and service users to describe his actions, and I can only agree with their sentiment.”