Two quick-thinking supermarket employees have been widely praised for their compassionate and professional response after a customer suddenly collapsed outside their store premises.
Swift Action in a Moment of Crisis
Asda workers Alan and Brittany sprang into action when a woman collapsed while entering the Antrim branch of the supermarket with her mother. The incident required immediate first aid intervention and careful management of the situation.
Creating a Protective Barrier
Alan, who has twelve years of service with the retailer, described the moment the customer fell. "It was like something switched like a light, and the poor lady just collapsed and fell, with no resistance, to the ground," he explained. "The injury to her face was quite severe, and Brittany, who has experience in first aid, sprang into action."
With an ambulance already called by another customer who witnessed the incident, Brittany immediately placed the woman in the recovery position and carefully shielded her head from further injury.
Comprehensive Care and Comfort
"She was so calm, and did a fantastic job reassuring the lady and making sure she didn't panic, get up, or fall again," Alan continued. "For my part, I created a barrier around them and got a blanket we could tuck between the customer and the pavement to stop her getting too cold. Brittany and the lady's mother were both incredible in keeping the situation calm."
The thoughtful actions included:
- Establishing a protective perimeter around the injured customer
- Providing insulation against the cold pavement with a blanket
- Maintaining constant reassurance and preventing further movement
- Coordinating with emergency services and the customer's mother
Heartfelt Recognition and Recovery
The customer was promptly transported to hospital by ambulance for treatment. Several weeks later, Alan and Brittany received a touching thank-you card at the store from the woman they had assisted.
"We got a card a couple of weeks later, which was great to see," Alan shared. "You get really invested in your customers, especially when something like this happens, and sometimes you just never hear how things turn out. We were delighted to receive the card, and so glad to have been there to help in any way we could."
Company Recognition for Exceptional Service
Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley Ritchie publicly commended the pair for their outstanding response. "Alan and Brittany did a wonderful job in showing not just professionalism," Ashley stated, "but care and kindness to a customer during what must have been a frightening experience. We're very proud of them for all they did, and wish the customer a full and speedy recovery."
The incident highlights the importance of first aid training and compassionate customer service in retail environments, demonstrating how staff can make a significant difference during emergency situations.
