By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 12:30, Monday, 08 October 2012

A bus driver credited with saving the lives of two people says he was simply in the right place at the right time – twice.

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Phil Forster, 48, of Corby Hill, near Carlisle, spoke modestly of his life-saving exploits as it was announced that he is in the running for a top award.

He will go head to head in a public vote involving other lifesavers from around the country in the Community Hero category of the St John Ambulance First Aid Awards.

His category honours individuals who have been the difference between life and death in their community.

Phil said: “The other entrants are really strong, so I don’t expect to win – I didn’t actually expect to be nominated.

“I’m so excited and delighted though.”

Phil, who works for Wigton-based Reays coaches, has saved lives on two separate occasions.

The first was while at the cafe in Asda, when 18-month-old Jessica Howard choked on a grape. Phil’s wife May, who is also a bus driver, raised the alarm and he stepped in and his St John Ambulance first aid training came to the rescue

He applied gentle but firm back slaps to dislodge the grape, and handed the toddler into the care of paramedics.

Jessica’s mum Katie, 32, said: “We were having lunch with friends when Jessica started to choke and stopped breathing. I was in a state of shock and couldn’t help.

“A few people tried to help but it was Phil that came to the rescue, I am so grateful he was there.”

The little girl was checked over at hospital before being allowed home.

The second occasion came while Phil was actually driving the bus.

Once again May was with him, and she spotted a passenger crying into a mobile phone. She asked the woman what was wrong, and discovered that another passenger had stopped breathing.

May quickly told Phil, who stopped the bus and assessed the patient, Nicholle Marshall, 19, from Dumfries.

The teenager had been going home after an ice hockey match when she stopped breathing.

Phil realised Nicholle urgently needed CPR, and began chest compressions until she started to breathe again. He carried on applying first aid, ensuring her airway was clear, until paramedics arrived.

She was taken to North Allerton Hospital where she made a full recovery.

More than 200 people were nominated for the award, and Phil is one of only four shortlisted.

He still remains modest about his actions though.

“I did what anyone would have done,” he said. “I was just in the right place at the right time... or the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Monday November 19, hosted by survival expert Ray Mears.

The Community Hero is one of only two which is decided by the public vote. To help Phil win the award, vote for him at www.sja.org.uk/firstaidawards

First published at 11:29, Monday, 08 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk