Leisure centre staff recognised for taking life-saving action
Chelmsford City Council staff have been credited with saving the lives of two Chelmsford residents who suffered cardiac arrests while visiting community leisure centres, in separate incidents that took place just days apart.
Council staff administered life-saving CPR
Chelmsford residents Edward Da Costa and Nick Hunt recently received life-saving aid from council staff after they each suffered a cardiac arrest while visiting council-run leisure centres.
Edward was in the gym at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre (CSAC) with his wife Sharon when he went into cardiac arrest. Staff acted quickly, with duty manager Rabin first on the scene, soon aided by fitness instructor Seb and centre manager Justin, who administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while an ambulance was called, and Edward was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Less than two weeks after the incident at CSAC, Nick suffered a cardiac arrest when swimming at Riverside Leisure Centre. The on-duty pool supervisor, Sonny, and five of the centre’s lifeguards, Caitlyn, Jack, Eva, Ellie and Luke, worked quickly to get Nick out of the pool in order to begin CPR, which was continued until the paramedics arrived.
We are very pleased to report that both Nick and Edward are recovering well.
Mayor of Chelmsford hosted celebration event for cardiac arrest survivors and those who helped them
The Mayor of Chelmsford welcomed Edward and Nick, along with the council staff who helped to resuscitate them, to the Mayor’s Parlour on Thursday 20 March for a special recognition event. Also in attendance were Joanne Hennessy and Craig Banning, two members of the public who were brave enough to step in and help during the incidents, and paramedics who attended the scenes.
The Mayor of Chelmsford welcomed guests to The Mayor’s Parlour for a recognition event.
The Mayor recognised the individuals’ inspiring work and celebrated the fortunate outcomes for Edward, Nick, and their loved ones.
““I’m so pleased to have been able to welcome everyone today to honour and highlight these two inspiring stories. As we learned from one of today’s guests, Adam Carr from Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation after a cardiac arrest a person's chance of survival falls by 10%.
Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Janette Potter
“The quick-thinking and swift action of centre staff made an unquantifiable difference, along with the actions of Joanne and Craig, the fast-acting members of the public who stepped in, too. You all have my admiration and, I’m sure, the gratitude of our guests and their families.”
Members of the public played vital role
In both incidents, it wasn’t just trained staff who helped, but brave bystanders too.
Joanne Hennessey was in a group exercise class at CSAC when she heard someone shout for an ambulance to be called. Joanne is a children’s nurse and ran straight to the aid of staff who were administering CPR to Edward, helping them work to keep his heart beating while awaiting paramedics.
At Riverside, the person closest to Nick when he suffered his cardiac arrest was Craig Banning, a police officer, who was taking a swim while off duty. Craig is a police firearms medic trainer and was integral to the fast response that saved Nick’s life.
First aid-trained staff and defibrillators on site
All Chelmsford City Council-run leisure centres have defibrillators and first aid-trained staff on site. Lifeguards receive refresher training at least once a month and other first-aiders twice a year.
Incidents like this are rare and for most staff involved, while they are well trained in how to respond, this was their first encounter with a cardiac arrest. Councillor Natacha Dudley commended their bravery:
““I’d like to personally thank every staff member involved in these incidents for their efforts. It’s hard to comprehend the impact you have had on Nick and Edward, and on their loved ones, too. You should be very proud of yourselves, as I am. Well done.”
Cllr Dudley, Cabinet Member for an Active Chelmsford
Defibrillators located throughout Chelmsford
At the event, Adam Carr from Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, spoke about the importance of swift intervention following cardiac arrest. In the UK, the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is less than 1 in 10 people, and for every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation the chance of survival decreases by up to 10%.
A cardiac arrest is when someone’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood around their body. Should you witness someone going into cardiac arrest, or suspect they are, you should call 999 immediately and start CPR (you can find information about how to administer CPR online).
Once you are connected with an operator, they will be able to advise you of where the closest defibrillator is located and help you access it. They can also talk you through using the defibrillator, though most have an automated guide that will give you step-by-step directions.
The British Heart Foundation is a great resource for understanding defibrillators and how to use them – you do not need training to use a defibrillator and doing so may well save someone’s life.
Molly writes stories about public health, community safety, leisure, community sport, parking and Chelmsford Market.