A QUICK-THINKING lifesaver went to the rescue of a colleague after he passed out and swallowed his tongue.

Emma Upton, a service advisor at a Colchester garage, has been hailed as a hero after she went to the aid of her stricken friend.

Ms Upton, from Long Melford, saved a vehicle technician, who asked to remain anonymous, after he struck his back on a toolbox triggering a serious health episode.

The technician was busy in the workshop of Glyn Hopkin Honda, in Ipswich Road, Colchester, when disaster struck.

The shock of the impact on his back caused his blood pressure to spike and he lost consciousness.

When he passed out, he swallowed his tongue causing convulsions and the blockage of his airway.

Emma reacted quickly to save the man’s life.

She said: “It all happened so quickly.

“I’m aware of the basics of first aid and knew I needed to act before things deteriorated.”

Emma rushed to her colleague’s side and cleared his obstructed airway before putting the technician into the recovery position.

Her actions contributed directly to her colleague’s rapid and complete recovery following the ordeal.

She said: “I did what I could and luckily happened to be in the right place at the right time.

“I am just glad that I was there and could help.”

Mark Goddard, service director at Glyn Hopkin, praised Emma’s quick thinking and action in the aftermath of the emergency.

He said: “This was a frightening incident for everyone involved and, luckily for her colleague, Emma’s quick thinking and focus helped avoid lasting harm.

We are all grateful to her and proud to have a true life-saver on the team.”

Glyn Hopkin opened its first dealership in 1993 and now operates more than 50 across the South East, representing brands including Nissan, Renault, Fiat and Suzuki.