Airport lifesavers given special award

Mar 22 2013 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

Two airport staff who helped save the life of a heart attack victim have been given special awards.

Emma Kirkland and Nicola McMurdie received prizes for excellence at a Ryanair ceremony in Dublin.

The girls raced to the aid of elderly passenger, Esther Wylie, after she collapsed when boarding a flight at Prestwick.

Now they’ve been honoured for their efforts during the traumatic incident in January.

Mrs Wylie was heading for Tenerife when she took ill, requiring CPR from a doctor and nurse who were also queuing for the flight.

Passenger handling duty manager, Jane Thomson, said: “Emma and Nicola were at the gate about to direct the passengers to their aircraft when Mrs Wylie collapsed.

“They assisted our fire and rescue personnel who quickly arrived on the scene with oxygen and a defibrillator.

“Paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service also arrived and took over efforts to revive the lady.”

Fire and rescue watch commander, Sean Flynn, added: “I cannot emphasise how much Nicola and Emma did and my crew and I are very grateful to them.

“They showed passion, responsibility and professionalism well beyond what would normally be expected.

“I think that we should be very grateful that we have such dedicated and caring staff working at Prestwick Airport.”

Handling agent Emma, 23, said: “It all happened very quickly and I didn’t really have time to think.

“My instincts took over and my first thoughts were to get immediate help for Mrs Wylie.

“At the time it looked very serious as they worked on her for about forty minutes, so I am just so happy she’s well now.”

The girls were flown to Dublin and both received a cheque, a gold pin for their uniform and a certificate at the ceremony.