Waste collection crews praised for providing first aid while working in Raunds and Irthlingborough

FCC Environment (UK) Limited only started its contract providing rubbish, recycling and street cleaning services for East Northants Council this summer, but it has already proved it can do more than keep the district clean.

Two recent incidents show they can help out in an emergency too.

The collection crews were making their usual collections in Raunds this week with one of their supervisors, Tom Larkin, also in the area making his rounds.

But as they turned into Miller Street in the town they saw a lady fall over as she stepped off the kerb.

The lady suffered a minor injury and the team went straight over to offer assistance.

They gave first aid for the cut and then took her back to her home, and to the care of her son, so that he could take her for further medical checks.

And since this incident, the crew has been called into action again.

A spokesman for East Northants Council said: “The crew were today working in St Peter’s Way, Irthlingborough, when they noticed an elderly man sat on the kerb with a couple of members of the public stood round him.

“The crew stopped to see if everything was okay and were told that the gentleman had fallen over and knocked his head so the crew used their kit to administer first aid until the ambulance arrived.”

Charlotte Tompkins, East Northants Council’s waste manager, said: “Our waste collection teams are out working in our community come rain or shine and this is not the first time they have been on hand to render assistance when our residents have encountered problems.

“We are very proud to have such committed and helpful people to work with us to deliver services.”