SWIFT action by leisure centre staff saved a man’s life after he collapsed following cardiac arrest while playing five-a-side football.

Chepstow Leisure Centre duty officer Duncan Thompson used the site’s defibrillator and with help from colleagues performed resuscitation on customer Paul Kelly as well as assisting ambulance staff on their arrival. Mr Kelly was operated upon in the Bristol Royal Infirmary hospital where he made a full recovery.

Mr Kelly 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.

County Councillor Bob Greenland, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “Staff at our leisure centres display a high degree of professionalism at all times and this incident illustrates the impressive standards to which they aspire. I’m delighted by the prompt and effective action taken and very pleased that Mr Kelly has made such a good recovery. We look forward to welcoming him back at the leisure centre soon.”   

Monmouthshire’s Head of Tourism, Leisure, Culture and Youth, Ian Saunders added: “We’re very proud of the assistance lent by Duncan Thompson and his colleagues to save a life at Chepstow Leisure Centre.  Staff receive monthly training covering first aid, CPR, defibrillation and life-guarding skills while duty officers also receive first aid at work training. In addition, Duncan and two other staff are trainer/assessors for the National Pool Lifeguard (NPLQ) qualification which operates in association with the Royal Lifesaving Society.”