Boss’s CPR skills save colleague’s life

In Newcastle, England, Jessica Beni, assistant head of curriculum at Newcastle College, saved the life of her colleague, Karen Pyle, when Pyle experienced a cardiac arrest at work in March.

Pyle initially dismissed symptoms of a heart attack as indigestion, but later collapsed during a meeting with Beni and a student. Beni, who had recently refreshed her CPR training, quickly recognized the emergency and began chest compressions until paramedics arrived.

Pyle received care at the Freeman Hospital, a specialist heart center, and returned to work after two and a half months. She credits Beni with saving her life. Beni and Pyle are now supporting CPR training for students aged 16 to 19 at Newcastle College, hoping to equip more people with life-saving skills.

Paul Brolly of the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) emphasizes the critical importance of immediate action during a cardiac arrest, stating that “every second counts.” NEAS staff are delivering the training, and students report the hands-on practice, though challenging, was valuable and potentially life-saving.