Virgin Atlantic cabin crew receives bravery award

Virgin Atlantic Airways have announced today that one of its cabin crew, Lynsey Cole of Bristol, has been awarded a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for her bravery. The commendation is in appreciation and recognition of Lynsey’s brave actions that contributed to the survival of a motorist in a serious car accident earlier this year.

Lynsey will be commended at the Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire on 3rd June.

Lynsey Cole, cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic, said:

"After seeing the car accident I realised quickly that it was serious and that because of my training, I could maybe be of some help. It didn’t occur to me that being on the wrong side of the motorway would be a problem so I decided to stop and walk across to the other side. I think because I was in my work uniform I was still in work mode so my reaction was to help as quickly as possible and use my first aid training. I was just pleased I could help and feel honoured to receive this commendation."

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

"I was so impressed to hear about Lynsey’s courageous actions. Without any thought for her own safety, she played a major role in saving a man’s life. We are very proud that we have such a wonderfully brave and kind colleague working for the airline and personally I’m so delighted that Lynsey will be recognised for her bravery with a commendation from the Chief Fire Officer - she truly deserves it."

Andy Goves, Chief Fire Officer for Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, said:

"I am extremely pleased to be able to recognise Lynsey’s actions with this special commendation, through her brave efforts along with other motorists, she helped in saving a life. Throughout the ordeal and without any emergency services being on the scene, Lynsey remained calm and professional, so much so that she played down her part in the rescue!

“She is a credit not only to herself, but to her family and the company she works for. I know that the firefighters at the scene were impressed with her response and brought her actions to my attention for appropriate formal recognition. The Crew Manager in charge of the incident stated he would happy for Lynsey to join the Fire & Rescue Service should she ever consider changing careers - our gain would be Virgin’s loss!”

In January this year, Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service responded to a road traffic collision on the M4 motorway where one vehicle was on fire. After witnessing the car accident and realising a car was on fire, Lynsey stopped her car on the hard shoulder of the opposite carriageway and made her way across three lanes of moving traffic and over the central reservation to assist another member of the public with helping the casualty move away from the burning vehicle. She then began first aid procedures before the paramedics arrived on the scene.

As part of the initial six week training course, cabin crew spend five days focusing on medical training to enable them to deal with any medical eventuality onboard in a calm and professional manner. Once a year cabin crew attend a one day medical refresher course.

For further information log onto virginatlantic.com.