A PRESTON teenager has had a lucky escape - after being stung by a wasp which had fallen into his can of pop.

Paul Goodwin, (pictured) of Cardigan Street, Ashton, lost consciousness when he was stung on the tongue by the insect while taking a drink.

First aiders were concerned the sting could have swollen and blocked his airway. Wasp stings have been known to kill people.

The 18-year-old was working at Asda's new Clayton Green store at the time and he is keen to thank the quick-thinking first aiders who ran to his aid .

Store bosses tended to Paul as he drifted in and out of consciousness while paramedics from Leyland arrived.

When his condition deteriorated, first aiders Susan Ryding and Elizabeth Brown stepped in, putting him into the recovery position and applying a cold compress to ensure his swollen tongue did not stop his breathing.

Paul was well enough to return to work the next day.

He said: "I can remember taking a swig from a can of pop and realising my mouth was very painful."

He added: "The first aiders did a great job. I'm sure it would have been a lot worse if they hadn't reacted so quickly. It was very frightening.

"Thanks to them, and the paramedics, I'm fine now."

Paramedics gave Paul oxygen before taking him to Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital.

First aider Elizabeth Brown added: "He looked fine at first but then became very dizzy and started losing consciousness. He was distressed and going into shock."

Asda's Alison Stott said: "We are very proud of our first aiders."

Leyland Ambulance station confirmed that Paul was suffering from anaphylaxis shock, severe headaches and dizziness when they arrived at the scene on Monday.

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