A Largs man who rushed to the aid of an elderly woman who was seriously injured after a fall in Largs town centre has been recognised as Scotland’s First Aid Hero.
Douglas Graham won the First Aid Hero award at the sixth annual St Andrew’s First Aid, Scottish First Aid Awards, in Glasgow last Friday. The award was presented in recognition of an individual who has saved a life with first aid or who has made an extraordinary first aid achievement.
On the 12th July, Jean Aitken, who is in her late 80s, was walking through Largs to a doctor’s appointment, when she slipped and fell. 
Jean landed on the pavement, severely injured herself and was losing a lot of blood from head and facial wounds. Douglas was walking behind. Because the closest bystander was reluctant to get involved, he immediately stepped in and assisted.
Douglas checked for any life threatening head injuries and helped to calm and reassure Jean, who was panicked by the amount of blood from her head wound. He then orchestrated help from the people round about to call for an ambulance.
During a period of 50 minutes whilst waiting for the ambulance, Douglas remained in a fixed kneeling position providing physical support for Jean to lean against. He was able to stem the blood flow using dressings from a first aid kit. 
“Jean spent eight weeks in hospital recovering from a broken nose and facial lacerations, a broken shoulder and a cracked kneecap.
Janice Thomson, niece of Jean Aitken, said: “Thank goodness Douglas was there. He was absolutely the right person at the right time. 
“He stepped in immediately to help without hesitation and was not in any way fazed by the situation. 
“He was able to do all the vital things and he knew how to provide calm words to an elderly, panicking lady. I have since met Douglas and he has been reunited with my aunt now that she is home.”
Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Douglas showed huge initiative in a serious situation. What was also very important was the way he co-ordinated the help for Jean by mobilising bystanders to call for the ambulance and fetch a first aid kit. He created a safe, calm environment. His quick thinking and positive attitude undoubtedly made the difference.”
During the summer, Jean’s family contacted the ‘News’ after her fall in a bid to seek the good samaritan to thank him for his efforts.