Stockport nurse is a Greek legend

A Stockport nurse from Stepping Hill Hospital A&E has proved to be a real Greek legend when she saved the life of a seven year old boy while she was off-duty enjoying a holiday in Greece.

Julie Burkitt was relaxing with a quiet drink on Tsvilli beach on the island of Zante,  when an unmanned six-seater speedboat crashed into the shore, hitting and badly injuring the young child.

Julie rushed to give CPR on the boy, keeping him alive and later helping to direct the local paramedics when they arrived on the scene. Julie’s 27 years of experience in emergency care, both at Stepping Hill Hospital and previously at Stockport Infirmary, were invaluable in saving the young boy’s life.

The boy was flown to Athens in a critical condition but thankfully is now in recovery, and Greek medical authorities are keeping in touch with Julie with updates on his condition. 

Julie was on holiday to celebrate her son’s wedding, and is now back at work at Stepping Hill.

She said “Everything happened so quickly when the boat hit, but when people asked ‘does anyone have medical experience’ I knew straight away I had to step up and be counted.  Thankfully all my years working at A&E in Stockport saw me through and I was able to help. I do feel proud of what I did but most of all just very happy I was able to help save this beautiful boy’s life.”