Save a life - learn first aid, says doc
Date published: 30 January 2009
Plea as heart attack victim Sam recovers
AN Oldham cardiologist is urging everyone to develop life-saving skills by completing a first-aid course.
Dr Michael Coupe has spoken out after footballers Ryan Bailey and Chris Tetlow saved the life of 22-year-old Sam Widdall, who collapsed on the pitch after suffering a heart attack in a Sunday League game in Shaw.
Ryan (24) and Chris (29) carried out heart massage and CPR on Sam during a match on January 18.
Sam, of Chadderton, who has since had a defibrillator fitted which will shock his heart should it come close to stopping in future, is making an excellent recovery and was allowed home from hospital yesterday.
But before leaving he received a visit from Oldham Athletic footballer Chris Taylor.
Dr Coupe said: “Sam is the second person to have their life saved following cardiac arrest in the past four weeks. The first, a man in his 40s, collapsed at work and was saved thanks to the actions of a quick-thinking colleague.
“In both of these cases, the people who carried out CPR saved lives and continued with their efforts for a long time until professionals arrived.
“When someone collapses with cardiac arrest, their heart stops and there is just a three-minute window to get blood and oxygen pumping to the brain or else they will die.
“I urge everyone to consider doing the British Heart Foundation’s Heart Start course to equip themselves with the skills needed to do CPR.
“If given correctly, CPR can be carried out successfully for a long time until paramedics arrive and they can restart the heart with an electric shock.”
Heart Start courses are run locally and can be booked for individuals, groups or workplaces.
For more information call Colin Platt on 0161-626 2766 or send an email to c-platt@sky.com. Alternatively call Alan Williamson on 01457-870452 or send an email to williamson@hotmail.co.uk
