08-07-2025
Powys firefighter who saved man happy to hear he survived
A Powys firefighter who helped save a man who was on the brink of death after suffering an aneurysm said it was 'incredible' to find out he survived.
Josh Greer, who is the crew manager at Llanfyllin, has said it 'made his day' after finding out his actions helped keep Oswestry man Colin Hunt alive after he suffered a brain aneurysm in Oswestry in November 2023.
Colin had been out Christmas shopping with his partner Sue Camps when he collapsed in the toilets opposite B&M bargains in Oswestry.
'I was just shopping, just getting some bits for the house,' said Josh. 'I was in B&M opposite the toilets where it happened.
'A woman came in asking where the defibrillator was. I asked her what was going on and some man had collapsed in the toilets outside.
'I just went over to see if they needed any help. There were two women there - one was giving them CPR, the other was on the phone.
'I started doing compressions, the defibrillator hadn't even come yet, we put it on him and went from there. The ambulance came and then took over and did a great job."
Colin was rushed to Stoke Hospital by the Midlands Air Ambulance where he was in recovery for 18 months, only returning home in May this year.
Josh, who is the youngest crew manager in Powys, has been a firefighter since the age of 18 and said his experience helped keep him calm.
'We are trained to do CPR, we are all prepared,' said Josh.
'We've all been on jobs like that, it's not just me there are a whole team of us who would have done the same that day.
'Early support and CPR is what makes the difference, I certainly don't want all the credit, there were a lot of other people involved, we all did it together really.'
Sue was later told Josh's intervention made a huge difference but due to the stress of the day, she couldn't remember what he looked like or his name and made a public appeal with Colin to try and track him down.
'It really made my day, I often wondered what happened afterwards,' said Josh.
'As soon as the ambulance came, I spoke to his partner and left as I didn't want to get in the way. It's horrible the whole situation normally so I am so glad he came through. It's incredible news.
'I would love to see him, I was going to meet him in town as I do go regularly.'
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Colin and Sue both said he would like to be able to thank Josh in person.
'I would like to meet him, as he saved my life and brought me back," said Colin. 'If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here.
'He took control and sorted it all out.'
'I would love to just give him a hug and say thank you,' added Sue.
The couple will also be raising money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Service who were key to Colin's survival and will be putting on a stall on the Bailey Head on July 26.
