9 August 2006

Pool Lifeguards Help Save Life

The quick actions of pool lifeguards and the use of a newly installed heart starting device have been credited with saving the life of a man during a social water polo game at Huia Pool recently.

After an initial assessment the lifeguards, used a combination of CPR and an external defibrillator, to revive the 47-year-old man who had gone into cardiac arrest at the pool.

Emergency services arrived quickly at the scene and took over the care of the patient from the pool lifeguards before transporting him to Hospital. It is understood that the patient is progressing well and is expected to make a full recovery.

The defibrillator was recently donated to Huia Pool by the Hutt Valley Order of Freemasons.

Hutt City Council Leisure Active Manager, Marcus Sherwood says he is pleased with the outcome of the incident.

"Lifeguards with advanced first aid training and a defibrillator were responsible for saving this man's life. Our pool lifeguards are among the most thoroughly trained in the country and it is a credit to them that they were able to effectively put into practice their training in a pressure situation".

"This is an excellent result and highlights the professional staff, training and equipment provided at Hutt City swimming pools" adds Mr Sherwood.

Defibrillators are expected to be provided at Naenae and Stokes Valley Pools over the next few months.

ENDS

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