Karen Henchy has worked alongside her client, Duncan Knapp at KBR, Inc. for almost 19 years. Over that time, Karen has come to know Duncan well, including the signs that tell her when something is not quite right.
When Duncan, a Senior Facilities Manager at KBR, failed to attend their usual early-morning catch-up, Karen, a Facilities Manager in the Private FM Sector, noticed.
He’d been unwell for several days but had still attended site. When she saw him walking through the restaurant at the KBR site, in Leatherhead, she immediately noticed there was something was different about the way he was walking.
“He wasn’t really raising his head, and he just didn’t look like himself,” Karen recalls.
She approached Duncan and calmy guided him to a quiet part of the restaurant, sitting him down. When she looked at him face-on, she noticed one side of his face was dropping.
Karen calmly told Duncan she thought he was having a stroke and asked security to call an ambulance. She stayed with him until the paramedics arrived, offering reassurance and, most importantly, being there as a colleague and a friend.
It was later confirmed Duncan had suffered a significant stroke.
Knowing When Something Is Wrong
Karen’s caring response was instinctive, and it was that, coupled with her experience and strong understanding of health and safety that underpinned her confidence to act when something just didn’t look right.
During her time with OCS, and working on the KBR Ltd contract, Karen has been involved in contributing to a strong safety-first culture which has resulted in the Private Sector achieving the Zero Harm Awards and three RoSPA Gold Awards. These are prestigious recognitions for organisations demonstrating the highest standards in health, safety, and wellbeing practices.
Those achievements weren’t what Karen was thinking about that morning, but along with the OCS TRUE Values – Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment – they informed her ability to recognise a serious situation, feel empowered to step up, trust her instincts and respond calmly.
As soon as she recognised the symptoms Duncan was displaying could be consistent with someone having a stroke, she didn’t hesitate. She took personal responsibility for acting fast. Vital in a medical emergency such as a stroke, where rapid assessment and medical intervention have a huge impact on a person’s outcomes, and even their survival.
“I didn’t give it any thought; I’d do it for anybody in the same situation.”
Karen Henchy
Facilities Manager, Private FM
For Duncan, what Karen did that morning was far more significant.
“Karen will inevitably say she’s not a hero, but her quick actions that morning are potentially the reason why I’m still here. My family and I are incredibly grateful for what she did.”
Duncan Knapp
Senior Facilities Manager, KBR
Keeping Duncan Connected
Duncan continues to recover and has received support from his family, friends and colleagues, even recently attending a team meeting.
Through it all, Karen has stayed involved, helping him remain connected to the people and places that matter to him. Along with her OCS manager, Barry Knight, she’s met Duncan for coffee and kept him updated on what’s happening on-site.
She says there is still work for them to do together, including more of the everyday improvements that have become part of their shared working life.
“It’s still Duncan’s site,” says Karen. “We need him back when he’s ready; everyone is looking forward to him returning.”
A Colleague Who Acts When It Matters
Barry Knight has worked alongside Karen in supporting KBR for the past eight years. He has seen her approach to health and safety, service delivery and the people around her over many years.
For Barry, her response to Duncan’s stroke brought those qualities together.
“Karen’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to delivering an exceptional service are evident in everything she does.
“What Karen did when Duncan suffered a stroke was remarkable. Her quick thinking, calm response and decisive actions made a crucial difference in getting him the urgent medical attention he needed. She truly is a hero among us and a shining example of the values we all aspire to demonstrate.”
Barry Knight
Portfolio Director, Private Sector ‑ Workplace
Karen is reluctant to describe herself as a ‘hero’, saying she simply did what she thought was necessary – she saw a colleague and friend who was not himself and did what anyone would do.
“I’m just glad I spotted the signs,” she says. “If someone hadn’t, I don’t know what would have happened.”
For Duncan, his family, and her manager Barry, there is no uncertainty about the significance of Karen’s actions that morning and that she is a TRUE Hero.
And, for Duncan, she always will be.
Know The Signs: Remember FAST
Duncan’s story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to recognise the signs of a stroke and act quickly.
FAST is an easy way to remember some of the most common signs:
F – Face
Has one side of the face drooped, or is the person unable to smile normally?
A – Arms
Can they raise both arms and keep them raised?
S – Speech
Is their speech slurred, confused or difficult to understand?
T – Time
If you notice any of these signs, call 999 immediately. Every second counts.
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, seek emergency medical help straight away.
For information and support visit – Stroke information and support | Stroke Association