On Thursday 12th October 1893, there was drama in the Stonefield area of Blantyre when an accident occurred.
In the afternoon that day, a young child by name of Jane Clyde had been left alone at her home in Hall Street, Dixons Rows, Blantyre and int he absence of her mother, fell into an unattended tub of water.
A passing neighbour was was calling round at that time, was deeply shocked to find the child unconscious. Mr David Mitchell, a member of the ambulance class was sent for and began applying ‘Doctor Sylvesters” resuscitation method of artificial respiration. (Which we now commonly know today as CPR). David owned an ironmongers yard at the corner of Stonefield Road and Glasgow Road and had been relatively nearby.
After half an hour, the little one showed signs of life and was saved, much to the delight and relief of worried neighbours. The mother missed the whole event, unaware of what had happened upon her return.
There are a few Clyde families in Blantyre today, and perhaps, just perhaps they owe their existence to Mr David Mitchell and his heroics.
AI imagines the scene
