HOSPITAL staff deal with life-threatening emergencies every day, but rarely are their colleagues the ones at risk.
But that was the situation facing Mellisa Gavin at Croydon University Hospital, when a fellow worker collapsed in the hallway.
Thankfully, the phlebotomist kept her cool and was able to calmly do the right thing, helping to save his life.
"It was just a normal working day," she recalled.
"My colleague had been unwell. He said he had gone to the toilet but he had been a long time. I went to see if he was OK.
"I realised that someone had assisted him from the toilets to the chair. I called for assistance and a nurse helped me and we put out a crash call.
"The crash team took over and he was taken to resuscitation and then to St George's Hospital."
The hospital declined to give further details about the colleague and his condition, but Ms Gavin said she and others had seen him regularly since.
Ms Gavin, whose day-to-day work mostly involves taking patients' blood, was one of several staff honoured on April 23 at the hospital trust's staff awards. Nominations came from patients and colleagues.
She won the 'Amazing Achievement' award from Croydon Health Services for her efforts in helping her colleague.
The prizes were presented by Crystal Palace footballers Dwight Gayle and Jerome Thomas, at a ceremony in the hospital restaurant.
The 31-year-old said: "I am proud of it and I am proud of everyone that assisted, really and truly and I can honestly say they are all stars.
"I thought it was very nice to win an award, to have some recognition for good work."
Her colleagues recognised at the 'Croydon Star' Awards included Dr Reza Motazed, acute medical unit consultant, for leadership; and Dr Nima Hashemi, care of the elderly consultant, for customer service.
The acute-neuro-rehabilitation service won two awards, for teamwork and listening. Georgina Parker, project manager of Listening in Action (LiA), won the LiA Champion Award.
Dr Nima Hashemi was praised for his "excellent bedside manner." A junior doctor also spoke highly of the help he had given her.
Dr Motazed was described as "an inspirational leader" who was is "continually striving to make the AMU department a successful one".
Long-service awards were also presented, for the first time, to CHS volunteers.
Arthur Robinson, who helps the trust's medical photographer, and Glen Urquhart, who helps the cardiac support group, were acknowledged for their 25 years of service.
John Goulston, CEO of the trust, praised his staff, adding: "Our staff are the reason why CHS is an organisation that is changing for the better.
"We have come a long way over the past year, and there are still challenges ahead, but these awards are our opportunity to celebrate and say thank-you to our Croydon Stars."
Ms Gavin added: "I think all the staff at Croydon University Hospital staff are stars."
