Praise has been heaped on two Lancaster University students who came to the rescue of a man collapsed in the street.

Alan Kendall was walking to Lancaster train station on Meeting House Lane when he became unconscious and collapsed. As he regained consciousness, he found himself being helped by a group of Lancaster University students, including medical students Thomas Dennill and Samuel Job.

Sam accompanied Alan in an ambulance to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and stayed with him until he was discharged the next day.

“They both helped me enormously,” said Alan. “Sam was able to stay with me all night until I was discharged from hospital on Saturday morning. He took me back to the railway station in a taxi and waited until I got on the train.”

Tom Dennill, one of the medical students who helped Alan Kendall when he collapsed while walking to Lancaster train station.

placeholder image — Tom Dennill, one of the medical students who helped Alan Kendall when he collapsed while walking to Lancaster train station.

Afterwards, Alan wrote to the medical school to express his gratitude, recognising the support provided by both medical students during this difficult experience.

“The help of all the Lancaster University students who came to my rescue was very reassuring and comforting in what was a distressing situation,” he said.

"Their support was invaluable and made my visit to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary a very different experience to what it would have been if I had been there alone. I am very grateful for their help and I wish them both well with their studies.”

Tom said: “I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time so I could provide assistance to Alan. I was just doing what felt right and I hope other people would make the same choices if they were in my shoes. I’m just glad I could make a difference.”

Dr Iain Robinson, Director of Studies at Lancaster Medical School, formally commended both undergraduates for demonstrating exceptional compassion, professionalism and commitment to helping a member of the public in need.

He said: “Despite being at an early stage of his medical training, Thomas responded with maturity, kindness and a strong sense of responsibility. He immediately offered assistance to a vulnerable member of the public, helping to ensure their safety and wellbeing following a distressing medical emergency.

"His willingness to become involved, remain calm, and provide support during an uncertain situation demonstrates qualities that are fundamental to the medical profession.

“Samuel immediately applied the clinical awareness, calm judgement and interpersonal skills expected of an excellent future doctor. He provided reassurance and support to a vulnerable individual in a distressing and uncertain situation, helping to ensure their safety while emergency medical services attended the scene.

"His willingness to accompany the patient in the ambulance to hospital demonstrated a remarkable commitment to patient welfare beyond what could reasonably be expected of a student.

“Most notably, Samuel remained with the patient throughout the night until they were discharged the following morning. During this time, he provided ongoing emotional support, advocacy and companionship, helping to alleviate anxiety and ensuring the patient did not face their hospital experience alone. Following discharge, Samuel arranged and accompanied the patient by taxi to Lancaster railway station and waited with them until they had safely boarded their train home to Manchester.”