A heroic pharmacist saved the life of an elderly man who suddenly collapsed and suffered a heart-attack at the store.

Quick-thinking Manpreet Athwal saved his patient when he dropped to the ground minutes after entering Tudorken Pharmacy in St Albans Road.

The man, believed to be in his 80s, was at the counter on Saturday (April 9) when he struggled to breathe and fell.

It was said he was there to receive his Covid booster jab, and he placed his leaflet on the table when the incident happened.

Watford Observer: Manpreet Athwal was a heroManpreet Athwal was a hero

After not responding to his name, Mr Athwal sprang into action by doing CPR and mouth-to-mouth for nearly four minutes in an attempt to resuscitate him.

Reena Athwal, who witnessed the incident, said: “Obviously the shock was there and I was worried for the patient, but I knew that we were all trained in first aid and we knew what steps needed to be taken.”

Mr Athwal said he was grateful that it at least happened in front of the two who are trained in conducting First Aid.

He said: “No matter how much you train, you’re never really ready for something like that.

Watford Observer: Tudorken PharmacyTudorken Pharmacy

“We don’t normally have it happening in a community pharmacy.”

The pharmacy was closed for an hour and the patient was rushed to hospital and is now doing much better.

The ambulance service believed that it was thanks to the quick actions at the store that the man survived.

Mr Athwal said that the moment was “surreal”, and he feels “incredible” knowing that he managed to save a life.

He also received praise from the man’s brother, who was incredibly grateful.

Now he feels “really confident” knowing that his First Aid training was effective, and he is “ready to act again” if needed.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.