A QUICK-THINKING off-duty nurse is encouraging locals to learn first aid following an incident in the town centre this week.

Lisa Whitham, 45, from Mapplewell, is currently a senior sister on ward 20 at Barnsley Hospital, meaning she is responsible for the overall running of the unit and for standards of nursing care.

After shopping in the town centre on Tuesday, Lisa saw a toddler suffering a medical episode in the Alhambra car park - and her quick-thinking helped save her life.

It was her first aid training that spurred her into action - and thankfully the Chronicle understands the little girl is now doing well.

She said: “It all happened so quickly but fortunately I was just in the right place at the right time.

“I’m still a bit shaken up by it all but it felt really good to do what I did.

“Everyone at work has been so supportive.

“My daughter was obviously there with me at the time but when I got back and told my husband he said that this is why I am a nurse.

“My training has paid off.

“They’re so proud of me and I’m proud of myself.”

Lisa, who learned first aid through her trade, is encouraging people to learn it themselves - and she hopes others may be able to use it to their advantage when they face similar traumatic experiences.

“I’ve got grandchildren myself and it’s absolutely frightening to think of something like that happening to them,” she added.

“I’d encouraged everyone to go on first aid training courses.

“It would benefit everyone - especially parents if something like this happens to their children.”