Ley Street supervisor becomes latest Redbridge Council hero

While many people head to their local cinema in the summertime to watch the latest Marvel blockbuster, they should look no further than the streets of Redbridge to find real-life heroes.

Esworth Joseph, a Street Cleansing Supervisor based at the council’s Ley Street Depot, is the latest member of staff to don his superhero cape, fly into action and come to the rescue of a member of the public.

Esworth was recently travelling for work on Ilford Lane when he spotted a small crowd huddled around a woman near Wingate Road. The woman was lying flat on the floor and unconscious.

Esworth pulled his council vehicle over and attended the scene, where a member of the public was already talking to London Ambulance Service over the phone. Sensing Esworth's arrival and his willingness to help, they passed over the phone to Esworth, who then took charge of the situation.

Esworth, who has completed his introductory first aid course and is planning on further training, said: "It all happened very quickly. When I first looked at the poor woman, her eyes were flickering, her breathing was shallow, and she started making a gasping sound. I tried not to panic, and the call operator on the phone was very calm and reassuring, asking me to start doing CPR compressions. I did these for about ten minutes until the London Ambulance Crew arrived at the scene.

 "I think I did what anyone would do in that situation. It's human nature to want to help those who are in need. I sincerely hope the lady is okay."

Esworth's heroics happened only days after a refuse crew also based out of Ley Street Depot helped three children and a young adult escape a burning Ilford home. Nick Gardner and Mark Hewitt were on their daily round on Monday (25 July) when they spotted the fire on Mortlake Road, Ilford. Nick and Mark's quick thinking and bravery meant that no one came to any harm.