A medical emergency at the William Archer in Wednesbury has inspired the pub to launch a community fundraising campaign to install a potentially life-saving defibrillator.
What started as an ordinary Saturday evening at the Amber Taverns pub took an unexpected turn on 17 October when a guest became unresponsive, prompting an immediate response from staff and fellow pubgoers.
Bar team member Morgan was among the first to offer assistance, while Kiera Grigg, a technician with West Midlands Ambulance Service who is currently progressing through the Trust's process to become a fully qualified paramedic, quickly stepped forward and administered CPR, drawing on her professional training and experience to provide vital assistance.
Kiera's 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.
Now, determined to turn a challenging experience into something positive, the William Archer team is rallying its regulars, local residents and businesses to help raise funds for a defibrillator at the pub. The aim is simple, to ensure that if another emergency strikes, potentially life-saving equipment is close at hand.
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 local people will support our fundraising efforts."
The incident has highlighted the importance of CPR skills, access to emergency equipment and the difference a calm, professional response can make when every second counts.
The fundraising campaign will give customers, local residents and businesses the opportunity to support a lasting addition to the William Archer, helping to make potentially life-saving equipment available should it ever be needed.
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