Tooting based Michael Coleman, is one of just ten people across the country to receive the prestigious Vodafone Life Savers Award.
The awards are held annually and celebrate inspiring stories of selflessness and courage. Michael, of Orpington, will now attend a special reception with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street in November.
When a man was trapped in a serious house fire in Streatham last November, Firefighter Coleman’s professionalism, calmness and bravery helped to save his life.
Tooting fire crews had been called to a severe fire on the ground and first floors of a three storey house and, on arrival, were told there could be people inside.
As six fire engines battled the blaze, Firefighter Coleman and a colleague, wearing breathing apparatus, went into the house.
Reaching the second floor, Firefighter Coleman found a man suffering from severe breathing difficulties. By this time the heat from the blaze was intense and the house was filled with choking smoke. Unable to fight their way back through the house, Firefighter Coleman led the man towards a second floor window where a ladder could be pitched to take them both to safety.
However, the level of smoke increased and the casualty’s condition deteriorated rapidly.
Firefighter Coleman removed his breathing apparatus and, while waiting for the ladder to be put in place, held it over the man’s face to provide vital oxygen. He continued to share his breathing apparatus until the casualty was well enough to be helped down the ladder to safety. Only then did Firefighter Coleman leave the burning building.
Nominating Firefighter Coleman for the Vodafone Lifesavers Award, London Fire Brigade’s Acting Director of Operational Policy & Training, Ron Dobson, said that his performance throughout the challenging incident had been a credit to the Brigade and reflected the best traditions of the UK’s fire and rescue services.
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