Lancaster University medical students praised for aiding collapsed man

A man has thanked two Lancaster University students after they came to his rescue when he became unconscious and collapsed as he walked to the city's train station.

Thomas Dennill and Samuel Job immediately rushed to Alan Kendall's aid with one of the Lancaster University students staying with the complete stranger overnight in hospital until he was discharged the following morning.

Alan was walking to Lancaster train station on Meeting House Lane when he suddenly collapsed. As he regained consciousness, he realised he was being helped by the group of Lancaster University students, including Sam and Thomas.

He said: “They both helped me enormously. 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.”

Alan subsequently 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. Their support was invaluable and made my visit to the 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 that I wish them both well with their studies.”

Speaking about the incident Thomas 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.”

Both students have since been formally commended by Lancaster Medical School for their efforts after helping a member of the public in distress.

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.”