Asda Antrim colleagues praised for care and professionalism after customer collapse

Asda Antrim colleagues, Brittany and Alan

Quick-thinking Asda colleagues in Antrim have been praised for their professionalism, compassion and calm response after coming to the aid of a customer who collapsed outside the store.

Alan and Brittany, both colleagues at the Antrim Asda superstore, rushed to help the woman after she suddenly fell while walking into the store with her mother, sustaining a serious facial injury.

The incident unfolded rapidly, with staff and members of the public working together to ensure the customer received immediate care until emergency services arrived.

Alan, who has worked with the retailer for 12 years, described the moment the woman collapsed.

“It was like something switched like a light, and the poor lady just collapsed and fell, with no resistance, to the ground. The injury to her face was quite severe, and Brittany, who has experience in first aid, sprang into action.

“With an ambulance on the way, thanks to a customer who was outside at the time, Brittany quickly put the customer in the recovery position and shielded her head. She was so calm, and did a fantastic job reassuring the lady and making sure she didn’t panic, get up, or fall again.

“For my part, I created a barrier around them and got a blanket we could tuck between the customer and the pavement to stop her getting too cold. Brittany and the lady’s mother were both incredible in keeping the situation calm.”

An ambulance was called promptly and the woman was taken to hospital for treatment. For Alan and Brittany, the situation remained on their minds long after the incident.

Their relief came weeks later when the store received a card from the customer, thanking them for their kindness and quick response.

“We got a card a couple of weeks later, which was great to see. You get really invested in your customers, especially when something like this happens, and sometimes you just never hear how things turn out. We were delighted to receive the card, and so glad to have been there to help in any way we could.”

The actions of the two colleagues have been formally recognised by the store, with praise also coming from Asda’s community team.

Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley Ritchie said the response demonstrated the values the retailer aims to uphold.

“Alan and Brittany did a wonderful job in showing not just professionalism, but care and kindness to a customer during what must have been a frightening experience. We’re very proud of them for all they did, and wish the customer a full and speedy recovery.”

The incident highlights the importance of first aid awareness and calm decision-making in everyday settings, as well as the often unseen role retail staff play in supporting their local communities beyond their usual duties.