Life-saving action by student at the University of Suffolk

A student from the University of Suffolk demonstrated the vital importance of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) when a medical emergency occurred on the campus.

Alan Mison, 75, was enjoying a regular get-together with friends in the Coffee Cat café in the James Hehir Building on Tuesday 24 February, when he suffered an acute coronary syndrome. 

Seeing the situation unfold, Rosita Nibi, a third year BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Therapy student, quickly stepped forward and performed CPR on Alan until paramedics arrived and transferred him to hospital where he had emergency surgery to fit a pacemaker. 

Commenting on the incident, Alan Mison said: “I would like to offer a huge thank you to Rosita for stepping forward and helping me. Her quick thinking, as well as the confidence and skills she demonstrated undoubtedly contributed to the positive prognosis I have been given.” 

Having lived on the waterfront for 20 years, Alan says he feels the University is part of the local community. 

“Rosita’s actions are a testament to the University and the skills they are providing, and I am glad that it is here and a part of our community,” Alan added. 

Rosita Nibi spoke about the experience: “I have been in medical environments for a number of years before I started my course at the University, and I have had regular refreshers on first aid and life-saving skills, but this is the first time I have had to put my knowledge into practice. My reaction to help Alan did come naturally and I did my best to administer CPR while the ambulance was on its way.” 

Following the incident, Alan contacted the University so he could thank Rosita in person and the pair met back on campus the following week once Alan was out of hospital. 

Professor Paula Kersten, Executive Dean, School of Health, Sciences and Society at the University of Suffolk said: “We are incredibly proud of Rosita, who is one of our Dental Hygiene and Therapy students. She stepped in to perform CPR on a visitor during a medical emergency on campus. Her quick thinking and bravery likely saved a life. Rosita is an amazing example of the skill, compassion, and professionalism of our students.” 

The incident occurred less than a week after BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science students completed 172,000 compressions during a 24-hour CPR challenge to raise awareness of this crucial life-saving skill and how it could be needed at any time. 

To find out more about health courses at the University of Suffolk, visit the website here.