A LEISURE centre officer who saved the life of a five-a-side footballer has been recognised with an award for outstanding commitment to the community.

Monmouthshire High Sheriff Sharon Linnard presented Chepstow Leisure Centre duty officer Duncan Thompson with the award for the CPR resuscitation treatment he carried out in the summer.

When Paul Kelly collapsed while playing football, Duncan used the site’s defibrillator and with help from colleagues resuscitated Paul and assisted when ambulance staff arrived. 

Mr Kelly was operated upon in the Bristol Royal Infirmary hospital where he made a full recovery and was very grateful for the prompt action by staff and their first aid skills, without which the outcome could have been very different. 

Following his operation he visited the leisure centre to convey his thanks.

There are a growing number of buildings, offices and communities throughout Monmouthshire that have defibrillators.

 Staff at each of the four Monmouthshire leisure centres receive monthly training covering first aid, CPR, defibrillation and life-guarding skills, while duty officers also receive first aid at work training.

Jason Sadler, Community First Responder Trainer for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Defibrillators give an electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

“They are vital for saving lives in the community, especially in rural counties such as Monmouthshire, where there are many located across the county.

“In situations of cardiac arrest, we urge the public to dial 999 as the operator will provide directions to the nearest defibrillator along with clear instructions on how to use the equipment.

“Defibrillators are designed to be used by anyone, whether they have received training or not.

“Once the defibrillator is in position, all you have to do is follow the spoken instructions. Many defibrillators will also have diagrams or a screen to help you.

“Although training is available, please do not be afraid to use a defibrillator if the situation arises.”

For further information about training, call 07734 716766 or email [email protected] 

To find out the location of your nearest defibrillator visit www.bit.ly/DefibLocations