The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has presented Lifesaver Awards to a group of brave rescuers who provided CPR on a local man when he went into cardiac arrest.
Paul Gould, 55, suffered a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest whilst swimming at the Fitness at Gurnard pool in Gurnard Pines, Cowes last year.
Lifeguards and a fellow swimmer at Gurnard Pines, who were trained in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), took turns in providing the lifesaving treatment until the Ambulance arrived. The individuals – Ian Groves, Sarah Barber, Michael Clare-Panton and Andy White – have now been recognised for their lifesaving efforts that day, with a commendation award also issued to Gurnard Pines.
Louise Walker, Ambulance Education, Training & Engagement Lead has said:
“Undoubtedly because of all of their actions Paul is still here today and it is really important to recognise the skills they showed on that day and how they all worked together, not just physically but mentally as well.
“The importance of giving early CPR is so significant to survival of cardiac arrest and it’s amazing to have Paul here and know he will have a good quality of life. This is the outcome we would want for everyone.
“Due to the pandemic, these awards are being presented nearly a year later but on behalf of the Ambulance Service we want to thank them all. We are used to providing CPR but to provide this when least expecting it and out of your comfort zone is very commendable, well done, the team should all be so proud”.
Paul Gould, cardiac arrest survivor, said:
“I wanted to give them all a massive thanks, because of them I am still here today and I appreciate it was quite a stressful time but not only did all their training kick in to give me quality CPR but they also kept themselves together to be able to work efficiently and not let the scenario get the better of them. I can never thank them enough”
Andy White, a customer at Gurnard Pines at the time of the incident, adds:
“I heard the alarm go off and saw two of the lifeguards pull Paul from the water and were trying to rouse him with no success so I went over and we started CPR while someone else was calling an ambulance. I’m a cardiac Radiographer over in Southampton so I was really impressed with how everyone responded, they were all excellent and Paul was very lucky to have a great team around him”
Ian Groves, who now works for the IW Ambulance service but was a Lifeguard at Gurnard Pines at the time of the incident said:
“It was very strange, I have been a lifeguard since the age of 16 and have never had to provide any form of life saving skills before. Because I have had the training it was something that automatically switched on in my head and I didn’t have to think about it.
“It’s very important that people learn lifesaving skills and I would recommend everyone does. You never know where you’re going to be when something like this could happen and whatever help you can give is vital and can make such a difference”
How to perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
When someone collapses and stops breathing normally, it is important to quickly call 999, perform hands-only CPR and use a defibrillator. Hands-only CPR reduces your risk of catching an infection.
Considering COVID-19, the steps you should take when performing CPR have changed but the need to perform CPR has not.
- If someone is collapsed and not breathing normally, do not put your face next to theirs
- Call for an ambulance
- Use a towel or piece of clothing and lay it over the mouth and nose
- Do not do mouth to mouth
- Start chest compressions to the tempo of “Stayin’ Alive”
- Use a Public Access Defibrillator if available
Wonderful ……. <3
They missed a name out. George Sanders (lifeguard) also helped save Paul’s life.