4:16pm Monday 4th March 2013
By Mid Devon Star Reporter
A HERO firefighter who saved a man's life with a defibrillator has delivered one of the life-saving machines to officials at Cullompton Rugby Club.
Chris Richards, operations manager of Cullompton-based firm Total Safety, presented the device to club physiotherapist Lisa Hagger, who had driven a project to obtain the life-saving piece of equipment for the last twelve months.
Chris, who is returning to the club this week to explain how to use the device, was recently given a St John Ambulance First Aid Award by footballer Fabrice Muamba in recognition of his quick-thinking and bravery when a player collapsed with a sudden cardiac arrest during a charity football match in Cullompton.
Remembering he had a defibrilator in the boot of his car, Chris, who lives in Cullompton, rushed to get the device and immediately began administering CPR, which ultimately saved the player's life.
The defibrillator is one of several to appear in the town in recent weeks, alongside others at Cullompton Football Club, Higher Kings Mill paper factory, Uffculme School and outside the town hall for public use.
Lisa said: “Despite being super fit, players of the modern game are subject to extreme exertion and this piece of equipment can and has saved lives although the first beneficiary is far more likely amongst the elderly, who attend matches and other functions at the club, in considerable numbers."
Club chairman chairman Phil Shere added: "We want to thank Devon County Council and our local councillor Mr John Berry for providing the funding which made the purchase of this defibrillator possible."
Also pictured from left to right are groundsman Edwin Baker, chairman Phil Shere and fixtures secretary Graham Beer.
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