While the Bath Christmas Market has closed for another year, stories are now emerging about some of the things that happened during the 18 days, including medics saving the life of a delivery driver.
One morning during the market, the 50-year-old driver who was delivering goods in the city as part of his routine, collapsed with chest pain as he got out of his van on Stall Street, due to the impact of a serious virus that stopped his heart.
Bath Christmas Market medics were on hand straight away with a defibrillator to treat him, and had they had not been there, the outcome could have been fatal.
Following the swift action of the team, he is now fully recovered and already back at work.
The medical and security teams from GES UK Consultancy get called to incidents at establishments across the city, often outside the main areas of the market, as well as being on hand to help visitors and stallholders.
By being pro-active, working in partnership with the police as well as listening in to City Link, the team can respond quickly to any emergency where they might be able to assist and relieve strain on official emergency services.
On one day where they administered treatment to patients themselves, they were able to stand-down five ambulances and stop their despatch.
Amanda Bolter-Freegard, Emergency Medical Technician, said; “We’ve had a busy time this year at the Market assisting with everything from chilblains and frost-bite, to a fractured ankle, fractured hip and a drug overdose situation outside the area of the Market.
“We also like to take special care of the stallholders as it’s mentally and physically tough being out all day in the cold and wet weather.”
Another story that emerged following the closure of this year’s event was that caterers Ye Old Hog Roast and The Burger Co, kindly donated left-over food supplies to homeless charity Julian House in Manvers Street.
