'deeply upsetting'
BBC star’s heartbreak as he reveals tragic battle to save neighbour’s life after collapse at home
The news presenter has described how he fought to keep the person alive after a collapse at home
A BBC newsreader has told of the horror moment he desperately battled to save his neighbour's life.
Rich Preston revealed that despite his best efforts, the person died this morning.
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"I spent 45 minutes doing CPR on a neighbour this morning," he wrote on social media.
"Sadly, they didn't make it."
The presenter then encouraged his followers to train in CPR - saying he was alerted about his neighbour's condition by London Ambulance Service.
"I arrived just as a response paramedic did and the two of us were able to work together to do our best for the person," Rich continued.
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"You can never be certain of the outcome, but that's the nature of life sometimes.
"We tried out best.
"But the fact remains that starting chest compressions and getting a defibrilator on someone as quickly as possible can make a huge difference.
"Of course, the saddest part of events like this morning is always those who are left behind.
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"It's deeply upsetting for family members to arrive and see their loved one being worked on by ambulance crews and a total stranger. I'm thinking of them today."
"This tweet isn't about me or the neighbour," Rich said.
What is CPR and where can I learn it?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency life-saving procedure used when the heart stops beating.
If CPR is performed immediately, it can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest.
The following services offer training in CPR:
- London Ambulance Service
- GoodSAM
- St John Ambulance England
- British Heart Foundation
"It's my regular encouragement to please, if it's not something you've done before, consider learning CPR."
Rich added: "I remember being taught CPR in school aged 10.
"(I thought every schoolkid learned it until I realised that wasn't the case!)
"It's training I kept up my previous job and in my current life and I've had to use it several times, including successfully.
"And if you are trained, consider signing up too.
"But please, if you have the ability, find a course near you. Loads of organisations run them.
"It is so simple and doesn't take long to learn the basics. You might need it one day."
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Rich is a senior BBC foreign news journalist and presenter, often seen on BBC World TV and heard on the BBC World Service.
The TV star is also host of BBC Topline – a daily global news briefings for US breakfast radio.