An off-duty firefighter saved a rugby player’s life after he collapsed on a pitch.

Joshua Szikora-Warmington was taking part in football training when he noticed that a rugby player had collapsed on a neighbouring pitch.

The 28-year-old from Droitwich acted quickly, using his fire service training to help save the player’s life.

The Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service firefighter said: “I raced over, followed by Molly, the team physio, and began CPR with help from two of the rugby guys, Matt who is one of the players and Joe who is an A&E doctor, they were rugby training on the opposite pitch – while a defibrillator was fetched from the leisure centre."

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After continuing with CPR, Josh and Joe were then able to give a full briefing to the paramedics who arrived to take over.

The rugby player has gone on to make a full recovery.

At the recent Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service awards ceremony at Worcester Guildhall, Josh received the chief fire officer’s Certificate of Commendation.

Each year, the award is presented to someone who has shown an outstanding act of individual endeavour which helped to save or protect a life.

“I felt very lucky to be able to use the life-saving skills that Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have taught me to be able to assist in someone’s hour of need,” said Josh.

“I would highly recommend learning the basics of CPR as you never know when you could be in a situation just like this.”

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The ceremony saw many HWFRS staff members recognised for their efforts.

Shaun Silcox picked up the award for top whole time recruit of the year, Leigh Tasker Devere won top on-call recruit of the year, and Trevor Connolly was named the Fire Fighters Charity supporter of the year.

Speaking after the event, HWFRS chief fire officer and chief executive, Jon Pryce, said: “Another fantastic Worcestershire medals and awards ceremony tonight.

“It was great to meet all the worthy recipients and their families.

“Thank you to all those who make the evening such a special event.”