QUICK-thinking bystanders helped save the life of a man who collapsed at the University of Worcester.

The ambulance was called at around 10.20am yesterday morning to the University of Worcester St John's campus, in Henwick Grove, to reports of a member of staff not breathing.

A West Midlands Ambulance spokesman said: "We were called at 10.23am to the University of Worcester campus in Henwick Grove to reports of a patient not breathing.

"Two ambulances, a critical care car, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the scene.

"On arrival crews found bystanders giving excellent CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) on a man who was in cardiac arrest.

"Ambulance staff took over resuscitation efforts and managed to restart the man’s heart on scene before he was conveyed, in a serious condition, by land ambulance on blue lights to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

"Undoubtedly, early CPR and the quick thinking of bystanders to use the defibrillator has played a huge part in giving the man the best possible chance of survival."

Eleanor Hubbard, a mum whose child goes to Unitots Nursery on the campus, said: "I've just come onto campus to collect my daughter's things from nursery and the campus is partially locked down.

"There are four ambulances and a helicopter looking like it's going to land.

"It looks really scary.

"It's really bad. It was by some of the student housing by Bredon."

Ms Hubbard, aged 23, added: "There were police vans pulling up as we left too.

"When we got to the front entrance a man was directing traffic and when I explained I just needed to get to the nursery he said to park up and walk because 'we're dealing with something' and there were paramedics getting out the ambulances putting on PPE."

A University of Worcester spokesman said: “A member of staff was unfortunately taken ill this morning at the St. John’s campus.

"Staff from University’s Security team administered CPR and Emergency Services attended.

"The next of kin have been informed.

"We would like to praise the quick thinking actions of our security staff during this incident.”

Tom Taylor, University of Worcester’s Facilities Assistant Director – Security and Operations, said: “The security staff here at the University are highly trained to deal with medical emergencies and are on hand 24/7 on campus to provide assistance to students or staff should the need arise. 

"I am very proud of my team who, when called upon, acted so swiftly and with great professionalism.”