A FORMER police detective is to receive a national award after helping to save the life of a 59-year-old woman who collapsed at a garden open day.
First Responder Roy Tyzack, who lives in Navestock Side, is being honoured at the annual National Lifesaver Defibrillator Awards, hosted by the West Horndon-based cardiac charity SADS UK.
Just nine days before bringing Rachel Gordon back from the dead, Mr Tyzack revived Bishop Michael Reid, the former minister of Peniel Church – now renamed Trinity Church – after he had gone into cardiac arrest at his home in Coxtie Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch.
Mr Tyzack, who serves with the Four Parishes First Response Group, told the Gazette: "It is very nice receiving the award but it is much more rewarding seeing Rachel and Michael walking around leading normal lives."
The 65-year-old, who was honoured for his life-saving work by the Royal Humane Society in November last year, will receive his latest award at a ceremony in London on Saturday.
It was just five minutes after Mr Tyzack had been called to the home of Bishop Reid that the clergyman went into cardiac arrest.
As for Ms Gordon, she collapsed at an open garden day at Kelvedon Hall – an event at which Mr Tyzack had been present to promote the work of the Four Parishes First Response Group.
He recalled: "She had turned blue and she had no vital signs.
"I had to shock her four times, but after 25 minutes she came back.
"After the ambulance crew arrived she was put into an induced coma.
"She was very ill, but I saw her the other day and she has made a full recovery."
He added: "It is absolutely vital that CPR is started as soon as possible."
Anne Jolly, the founder of SADS UK, said: "We believe this award is richly deserved and we are delighted to be honouring Roy Tyzack."