Coleshill man rescued by retained firefighter
The quick actions of a retained firefighter with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service saved the life of a Coleshill man overcome by smoke fumes on Saturday evening.
19 year old Jake Parton, a retained firefighter with Coleshill Fire Station, was enjoying a quiet evening in front of the television in Ravenswood Hill, Coleshill, when he heard a commotion from a neighbouring house. When he went outside, he saw billowing smoke and heard the smoke alarm and was told by another neighbour that someone was trapped inside.
He said: “I was only watching X-Factor. I had no idea my Saturday evening was about to become so dramatic!”
Jake broke into the house via a ground floor window and repeatedly shouted the neighbour’s name to no avail. Upon hearing groans from the kitchen, he made his way there and found William O’Donnell collapsed on the floor, overcome by smoke fumes.
With his firefighter training, Jake realised that the conditions would become unbearable very rapidly. A serious fire was developing. With appliances on their way, Jake realised that there was still no time to waste and opened the front door to get further assistance
With the help of his friend, Will Ellis, also 19, and the neighbour Marc Davies, Jake dragged Mr O’Donnell from the house into the fresh air and administered first aid. Fire appliances arrived within seconds and restricted the fire to the kitchen.
Mr O’Donnell was admitted to hospital where he was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation but was later discharged. Relieved but none the worse for his experience, he said: “I’m very grateful for the actions of these people. Without them, I think things could have been a lot worse for me.”
Watch manager, Andy Bates said: “Although we would strongly caution against entering a house that is on fire, I feel confident that Jake’s actions, and those of Will and Marc, averted a tragedy.”
Andy also noted the important part played in the rescue of Mr O’Donnell’s smoke alarm which had alerted his neighbours to the problems inside his house. He said:
“One of the key priorities of the fire and rescue service is to ensure that homes are equipped with working smoke alarms. It played a crucial role in warning Mr O’Donnell’s rescuers of the impending danger, giving them vital seconds to perform this courageous snatch rescue.
“Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking to ensure that all householders are protected from fire, preventing them or, in this case, minimising the consequences of a dwelling fire. Contact us and we will come and risk assess your home and fit smoke alarms, free in many instances.”
For a free home fire safety check, call 01675 462007.
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Media contact: Richard Harkin 01926 414162
Picture shows: Jake Parton with William O’Donnell.