Quick thinking by Halton Housing Trust staff helped one of its customers after the woman slipped into a diabetic coma.

Emma Harper, an Admin Support Officer, had called the customer to arrange a gas safety check, but quickly realised she sounded unwell.

“When she answered I thought she sounded distressed,” said Emma. 

“She was struggling to find the number for her son as her phone wasn’t working and sounded panicky.”

Emma, who is based at the Trust’s Simms Cross office in Widnes, alerted Housing Officer Dionne Hemlin who was out on calls in the area.

Dionne left her appointment and went straight to the address in Bellhouse Road. 

“When we got in we found the lady in a diabetic coma on the floor,” said Dionne. “We were able to raise the alarm quickly and get help.”

Dionne alerted the emergency services who were able to quickly get an ambulance crew to her address and perform life saving medical support. 

Dionne then went to the son’s house and drove him back to his mothers house where he was able to travel in the ambulance.

Last week the customer, who asked not to be named, praised the actions of Trust staff.

“They went above and beyond to make sure I was okay and I am very grateful to them for what they have done for me,” she said.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, praised his team and said it was a prime example of their dedication to customers.

“Emma and Dionne did a wonderful job in being persistent and making sure the alarm was raised.  It didn’t stop there as they made sure she was safely taken to hospital and then followed up with further home visits after her discharge to ensure she made a full recovery,” he said.

“At the Trust we pride ourselves on being there for our customers and this is a shining example of where the conscientious actions of our staff and their approach in how they contact our customers has made a real difference.”