A MAN who collapsed and fell into a swimming pool after suffering a cardiac arrest was resuscitated thanks to the quick thinking of leisure centre staff in Coventry last night (Wednesday).
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a man in cardiac arrest at Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre, Fairfax Street shortly after 5pm.
Two ambulances, a paramedic area support and a critical care car from The Air Ambulance Service attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman described how the man had been successfully resuscitated by leisure centre staff after being given CPR and six shocks by their on-site defibrillator.
He was then given advanced treatment by ambulance staff and taken by land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
The spokeswoman added: “During the 999 call, it was very apparent that the leisure centre staff knew exactly what to do to help the man.
“Seeing a patient in cardiac arrest being given CPR is always a positive sight when ambulance staff get to the scene – on this occasion the crew arrived and not only had the man been given CPR and shocks from a defibrillator but he had also been successfully resuscitated.
“The incredibly quick actions of lifeguards and leisure centre staff, who put their life-saving training to the test last night, are immensely commendable and have undoubtedly given the man the very best possible chance of surviving his cardiac arrest.”
