A Cityclean driver and his crew have been praised after carrying out lifesaving CPR on a woman who collapsed on the pavement.

Billy Lee was driving his bin lorry with colleagues Phil Buss and Ryan Bones when he spotted the person having a seizure on Findon Road, Whitehawk.

Billy immediately pulled over and the three men jumped out of the cab to help.

Billy said:

“We ran to her and I put her in the recovery position and felt her pulse. I could see she was suffering from a seizure so I carried out CPR to help resuscitate her.

“Part of CPR is making sure someone is breathing properly, so I made sure her airways were clear with her head back and my colleagues Phil and Ryan contacted the ambulance service who arrived in three or four minutes.

“The woman said thank you as we helped her into the ambulance. We just wanted to help.” 

Billy learned how to carry out CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) after attending a council-run first aid training course.

And now he wants all Cityclean crews to have the same training.

He added:

“I think it would be good for all drivers and crews to have training as we’re on the road and streets all day and can help in these situations.”

CPR is an emergency procedure which can consist of chest compressions often combined with artificial ventilation and is recommended for those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing.

Rachael Chasseaud, the council's assistant director of city environment, said:

“What Billy, Phil and Ryan did was amazing and really helped the woman until the ambulance arrived.

“I and everyone at Cityclean plus the council’s leadership and senior managers are very proud of them.

“It shows how important our first aid training is and we’ll now be looking into more training for other drivers and crews and make sure Billy is involved.”