A routine drive home almost turned dangerous for Roy Edwards, aged 78, when his blood sugar dropped to a critically low level, leaving him disoriented in his car.
Roy from Maidstone in Kent, who has diabetes, had just finished a four hour shift at Sainsbury’s in Aylesford when he was found in a dead-end road in Larkfield by a security guard. In and out of consciousness, he was unable to respond properly, prompting a 999 call. Resource Dispatcher, Freya coordinated the response, sending crewmates Sophie and Katie to the scene.
On arrival, Roy had slurred speech, clammy skin, and a blood sugar reading of 1.1 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) which is far below the recommended range for people managing diabetes.
With more than 5.8 million people in the UK estimated to be living with diabetes, Roy was administered glucose, but having little to no effect, Katie and Sophie shared some of their onboard snacks, which successfully raised his blood sugar to safe levels before transporting him to Maidstone Hospital where he spent 18 hours recovering.
Seven weeks later, Roy visited Paddock Wood Make Ready Centre to thank Sophie, Katie, and Freya in person, bringing some sweet treats to restock their supplies!
Roy said “I’m so grateful to the three ladies, it was great to meet them personally and thank them for my care. It’s given me a reality check and I know how important it is to manage my blood sugar carefully.”
Katie said: “Seeing Roy back and well really touched me. It reminds you that behind every call is a real person, and that the care we provide can make a lasting difference.”