A FIREFIGHTER who helped to save the life of a window cleaner impaled on a spike has launched his own first aid business.

Rob Jones, 40, gave first aid to Norman Johnston, who was skewered when he fell 15ft from a ladder in Sunderland in July.

Mr Johnston, 35, of Sunderland, described himself as the luckiest man alive as the spike went through his body, coming out through his jaw, without damaging any major organs.

Mr Jones, also of Sunderland, has launched First Aid on Site Training (Fast) to help companies in the region with health and safety training.

The firm has eight qualified trainers and assessors and is approved by the Health and Safety Executive.

"The initial course involves 24 hours of training and leads to a health and safety at work certificate," said Mr Jones.

"We cover all manner of potential workplace emergency situations, including accidents, strokes, heart attacks and illnesses, as well as situations applicable to each type of business. Since 1998, under workplace regulations, companies of all sizes must do a risk assessment of their first aid needs."

Mr Jones, who is still in the Tyne and Wear brigade, teaches first aid at Newcastle College, and has received trauma training.

He launched Fast with the help of the North-East of England Business and Innovation Centre, Sunderland, whose conference facilities he uses to hold training sessions.

Mr Jones and his firefighter colleagues have been invited to Mr Johnston's wedding to fiancee, Joan Lay, at St John's Church, in the Ashbrooke area of Sunderland.