Birmingham Asda Driver's Quick Thinking Saves Pensioner's Life
A heroic Asda delivery driver from Birmingham has been praised for saving a customer's life after acting on a gut feeling that something was amiss. Steve Southall, based at the large Queslett Road store in Great Barr, became concerned when an 84-year-old regular customer instructed him to leave groceries on the doorstep, which was unusual behavior.
Delivery Driver's Instinct Leads to Critical Discovery
After completing other deliveries, Steve returned to check on the pensioner and found the shopping bags still outside the property. He knocked on the door and shouted, but received no response. Attempting to contact the customer directly, Steve phoned his number and could hear the phone ringing inside the house, yet there was no answer.
Steve Southall, 64, who has worked at the store for seven years, explained his actions: "I had a gut feeling that something was wrong; I wasn't happy about it. When I went back, the shopping was still on the doorstep. He normally comes to the door, bless him. I then called the customer's nephew as I had his number too."
Emergency Response and Recovery
The nephew tried unsuccessfully to reach his uncle and subsequently alerted the police. Officers forced entry into the property and discovered the resident unconscious and cold. The man, who has multiple health issues including diabetes, was rushed to intensive care and is now recovering.
The grateful nephew, who handles online orders for his uncle, expressed profound relief: "My uncle is quite stubborn and won't ask for help, so if it wasn't for Steve going back to check on him and calling me then I don't think my uncle would be here today. He saved his life."
Recognition and Praise from Asda
Store manager Gavin Buxton nominated Steve for an Asda service award, highlighting his exceptional dedication. "We're all so proud of Steve. If he hadn't have done what he did the customer probably would not be alive today. Steve's a very respected driver here who always goes above and beyond for customers and colleagues. He's really outgoing and bubbly."
Steve reflected on the incident with humility: "I’m glad I checked up on him and good job I did. I’m so happy he’s now on the mend." This heartwarming story underscores the importance of community vigilance and the life-saving impact of attentive service workers in Birmingham.
