An RAF Policeman from RAF Halton helped to save the life of a colleague who was suffering a brain haemorrhage by rapidly assessing him to be in danger and getting him to medical aid.
Corporal Nigel Lisowski (25) from High Wycombe who is currently serving at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, was in the gymnasium with a colleague, Corporal Ricky Millott. At the end of their training session the pair went into the changing room only to find Flight Sergeant Mike Thay with his head in his hands.
Mike, (49) from Princes Risborough, for whom exercise is a normal part of RAF life said: “I was working hard in the Gym and began suffering with a most almighty headache. As it persisted, I rather naively I returned to the changing rooms to face the prospect of getting changed back into uniform. The headache was becoming worse and all I could do was sit in the corner holding my head. Numerous people came and went - I can only assume they either did not notice me, thought I had had one hell of a tough workout, or were just shy!”
He added: “Corporal Lisowski entered the changing room and immediately sensed that something was not right. He asked me if I was ok and I told him I had a bad headache. A few minutes later he asked me again how I was, which was no better. He then stated he was taking me to the Medical Centre and told me to sit still whilst he fetched the car. His colleague packed my things and they helped me to the car. The doctor instantly suspected a brain haemorrhage and an ambulance was called immediately. The doctor said she needed to notify my Next of Kin and it was only then that I realised the how serious my condition was.”
Mike was rushed to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and then onward to The John Radcliffe Hospital where he spent the next 10 days in the Neurological Department after which point he went home to begin his recovery.
Whilst Corporal Lisowski’s actions undoubtedly helped to save Mikes life the 25 year old believes he just did what anyone else would do. He said: “I was happy that Corporal Millott and I reacted quickly to the situation and also for the quick reactions of RAF Halton Medical centre staff. I only found out a few weeks later how seriously ill the Flight Sergeant had been. I feel pleased that Flight Sergeant Thay is recovering well and, although having this very unfortunate time in his life, is still able to go home to see his family. Corporal Millott is also delighted with Flight Sergeant Thay’s recovery.”
Mike, now back at work, said: “Not only did Corporal Lisowski intuitively recognise there was a problem but moreover he acted decisively in taking ownership of the situation and doing exactly the right thing. He is a credit to the Police Flight.”
The actions of Corporal Lisowski and Corporal Millott reflect the core ethos and standards of the RAF as a whole and in particular the RAF Police specialisation who, as an integral element of the RAF Force Protection Force provide unparalleled air-minded security, guarding and policing effects 24 hours a day, all year round, whether on Operations or at the home base to enable the delivery of air power.
Mike, very aware of the vast range of consequences following a brain haemorrhage said: “Amongst other things memory loss is my main symptom, which I find frustrating. Given that a brain haemorrhage can cause any number of effects, I feel very lucky indeed and I am most thankful for the fast response of the RAF Police, the Medical Centre at RAF Halton, and the neurology team at the John Radcliffe Hospital.”
Editor: Flt Lt Higgins
Photograph:
Corporal Lisowski and Flight Sergeant Thay by RAF police car.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013
