Lifeguards at the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre saved the life of a veteran underwater hockey player who suffered a heart attack in the pool.
The lifeguards, Fraser Kelly and James Clues, applied CPR and used a nearby Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to keep the player, Marc Richards, alive until paramedics arrived.
67-year-old Richards praised the quick actions of the lifeguards and credited them with saving his life.
“I would have been gone without their help,” Richards said.
“About 10 minutes into the first half I conked out. There was a bit of pain and then the next thing I know I was on the side of the pool deck.”
“They got me out and they started CPR and put the AED on me at least three times.”
“I tried to drown and have a heart attack at the same time, so I had a taken in a lot of water as well.”
Richards was rushed to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery.
He is now encouraging the public to be aware of heart conditions and called for CPR to be taught in schools and sporting organisations.
“It is vital, especially in any sporting organisation,” Richards said.
“They should have at least one person at any event or match with good, current CPR knowledge and practice.”
