A Corporation of Hamilton worker was recognised by his employer for his bravery after he joined others to help a senior who suffered a medical issue.

Ricardo Lamb, who is also a member of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, was presented with an honorary plaque and gift certificate by the City on Wednesday.

It came after Mr Lamb and others, including a nurse, responded to a man who collapsed while on his bike at the traffic lights on Church Street near its junction with Dismont Drive at about 10am last Friday.

He told The Royal Gazette that he was standing on City Hall’s steps chatting with Ed Christopher, Hamilton’s town crier, when they saw a crowd had gathered around someone.

Mr Lamb said: “We noticed a crowd just across from Washington Mall at the crosswalk there and I noticed a lady in white scrubs performing compressions on the gentleman.

“I knew immediately that this was something serious and that with the training that I’ve had, that I could assist.

“I know how difficult CPR is and how difficult doing compressions can be.”

He said he ran over and asked the crowd to step back as he joined the woman, a nurse, as well as two other men and another woman to help.

One of the men took over from the woman and performed compressions on the patient while the other woman delivered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Mr Lamb said the nurse then left the scene and minutes later, she returned with an automated external defibrillator machine.

Also known as an AED machine, the device is used to treat cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating properly.

The machine sends an electric shock to the heart of a person in cardiac arrest and restores a normal heart rhythm.

Mr Lamb said: “She came back with the machine and asked me if I can use it and I said yes.

“Then I hooked him up to the machine and then I started to check it while the other guy did compressions.”

He explained that he loosened the strap from the man’s helmet to give him additional breathing space.

Mr Lamb then performed additional compressions on the patient while checking the machine.

He added: “We continued doing compressions and the EMTs arrived soon after but then I noticed that the guy bit back, so I think to myself, he’s coming back.

“Because when I first arrived there he had no pulse.”

Mr Lamb said later that day he received a message from a relative that the man was conscious and was being treated for his condition in hospital.

The man was later taken to Boston for further treatment.

Mr Lamb added on Wednesday: “Yesterday I spoke to the gentleman. He called me on Facebook messenger and I told him what happened.”

He said the two were happy to exchange information, adding that he felt relieved that he was able to have a conversation with the patient.

Mr Lamb said he had completed three CPR courses and, three weeks ago, he took part in a refresher course at the regiment.

He added: “Everything that was there [at the scene] was all fresh in my mind because I had just gone over it.

“That’s why it kicked in because if I didn’t do this refresher course, without it, I don’t think I would have reacted.”

Dwayne Caines, the chief executive of the City of Hamilton, commended Mr Lamb for his efforts.

He said: “I am incredibly proud to commend Ricardo for his swift and heroic actions last week.

“Ricardo's actions are a testament to the impact that proper preparation and training can have in emergency situations.

“His professionalism, bravery and commitment to the wellbeing of others reflect the highest standards of service.”

He added: “Ricardo’s efforts remind us of the importance of being prepared, and we are deeply proud to have him as part of our team.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, added: “Ricardo Lamb, through his brave and selfless actions, has shown us all what it means to truly make a difference.

“Ricardo is not just a valued employee, but a cherished member of our City family and the community as a whole.”

He said Mr Lamb used his training and presence of mind to respond to the emergency.

Mr Gosling added: “We are reminded of the power of being prepared, of stepping up when it matters most.”

Mr Lamb said while he felt honoured to be recognised for his efforts, kudos must also be given to the nurse, the other woman and the two men who responded to revive the man.