Forth Valley Asda worker saves colleague's life

Asda Alloa worker Arlene Nimmo (55) remained cool as a cucumber when she noticed colleague Cath McCaig (56) was having difficulty breathing.

Cath, who had never had an allergic reaction before, had taken a bite of a nutty bar when her throat suddenly swelled up and she began to gasp for air.

Arlene, who's worked at the Alloa store for five years, said: “When I saw Cath she was grey and couldn't breathe and I knew there was something seriously wrong. She was passing out so I grabbed her. She was panicking and hyperventilating. Her airwaves were closing and she was being sick too.

"I managed to get her into a position on a chair which I knew would open up her airwaves and give them a clear run. It was just instinct – and having three kids. It was just survival mode which kicked in.

“I knew if I didn't do anything she would have been in big trouble. She really wasn't in a good place. I don't think I'm a hero – she's just my friend.

"I've never dealt with anything like that before. I've just dealt with the usual children's scenarios including having peanuts stuck up the nose, but nothing like that. It was pretty frightening."

Cath said: "It just happened so quickly. I had the chocolate and then I couldn't breathe. I managed to tap one of the lads on the back and he and another colleague took me to Arlene in the kiosk.

"I was really panicking. It was the fright of my life. I couldn't get my breath at all. I was sweating, my heart rate was sky high and I couldn't speak.

"Arlene managed to get me into a position with my head back so my airwaves were opened up. Then she tried to calm me down as I thought I was dying. It's a feeling I never, ever want to have in my life again."

The ambulance service was called and Arlene also rang Cath's husband Mark who arrived at the store in five minutes and decided to immediately drive his wife to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where she was given an antihistamine and checked over, before being allowed home.

Cath, who's worked at the store for 14 years, said: "I've never had an allergic reaction in my life, so this has come as a complete shock. I'm just waiting to find out if it's nuts or chocolate that I'm allergic to.

"I can't thank Arlene enough. She's my own personal angel sent from heaven and I owe her my life."

Michelle Piper, the store's service section leader, said the whole store was proud of Arlene.

She said: "Arlene helped Cath without thinking twice. She was there to help her, keep her calm and get her the help she needed. I'm proud of her as I'm proud with all our colleagues.

"The friendships formed in store are amazing and the love you feel from everyone is something special."