How life-threatening emergency at Black Country pub led to community campaign
The quick-thinking response helped to save a life.
What started as an ordinary Saturday evening at a Wednesbury pub took an unexpected turn when a customer experienced a medical emergency.
A guest at the William Archer became unresponsive last weekend, prompting an immediate response from staff and fellow pubgoers.
Bar team member Morgan Firkin was among the first to offer assistance, while Kiera Grigg, an off-duty technician with West Midlands Ambulance Service who is currently training to become a fully qualified paramedic, quickly stepped forward and administered CPR.
The quick-thinking response helped to save a life.
Their actions, alongside the support of the pub team, have since prompted a heartfelt public thank-you from the patient's family.
The patient's niece shared a message on the popular 'Wednesbury People' Facebook page, expressing her gratitude for the care and assistance given to her relative.
The event has since inspired the pub to launch a community fundraising campaign to install a defibrillator, which could potentially help if a similar situation occurred.
The team at the pub are rallying its regulars, residents and businesses to help raise funds for the cause.
Scott Compton, who operates the William Archer alongside his partner Amy, said: "We're incredibly proud of the way everyone responded.
“Morgan and the team were quick to offer assistance, and Kiera was absolutely amazing.
“She responded quickly and professionally, using her skills and experience to help in what was a very serious situation.
"It's one thing to know what to do in an emergency, but quite another to find yourself in that situation and see someone step forward so calmly and confidently.
“We're incredibly grateful that Kiera was there and able to help when it mattered most.
"What happened that night really brought home how quickly an ordinary evening can change, and how important those first few minutes can be.
“It's inspired us to do something that could make a real difference to our community. We want to turn a difficult experience into something positive.
“Our mission now is to get a defibrillator installed at the William Archer, and we're hoping the whole community will get behind us.
“Every donation, however small, will bring us a step closer to having a piece of equipment that could one day save someone's life.
"To see the family's lovely message of thanks has been really touching. Pubs are about people and community, and this is a wonderful example of people looking out for one another.
“We'd like to say a huge thank you to Kiera and everyone who helped that evening, and we hope people will support our fundraising efforts."
Contact the pub for further details on how you can donate.
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