HCA saves drowning woman from canal

An HCA from the Midlands has been hailed as a lifesaver after going to the aid of a woman who was drowning in a canal.

Leanne Blackwood who wants to be a nurse, intervened to save the woman on her way to work at Walsall's Manor Hospital. Along with two bystanders, Ms Blackwood used a bag to help drag the woman to safety, then checked her airways and put her in the recovery position.

Ms Blackwood told NT: 'This has put things into perspective – nursing is something I really want to do now.'

Local paramedics say they intend to nominate Ms Blackwood for a West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust award