Charity echoes Tom Lockyer’s CPR message, following his cardiac arrest on pitch
A cardiovascular research charity is urging people to get informed about CPR, and develop the skills to save a life.
The British Heart Foundation, who work into research and to raise awareness of the vital skills, are echoing Tom Lockyer’s message on a recent social media post.
The Luton Town FC captain suffered a cardiac arrest on pitch during an away game in Bournemouth.
On New Years Eve, Lockyer posted a message on his Instagram thanking his fans, team, and club, but most importantly the medical staff that saved his life.
Within the post, he stressed the importance of CPR and said “it literally saves lives, like mine. Please check out the British Heart Foundation website for basics or get yourself on a course. You just never know when you might need it.”
An incident can happen anywhere at any time, and precious seconds and minutes of a person’s life can be saved by performing CPR until emergency services arrive.
“…in the UK, there’s over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year and the survival rate is less than one in ten…”
Programme manager at the British Heart Foundation, Lizzie Moscardini, said: “It’s really good that Tom has obviously come out and spoken about his cardiac arrest. It’s a distressing incident but it’s a reminder that a cardiac arrest can affect anyone at any time.
“We have a free online tool that teaches you how to do CPR and use a defibrillator in just 15 minutes, it’s called RevivR, and anyone can get involved.”
“If you’ve learned CPR before, it’s really good to brush up on your skills again and again – we recommend it every six months.”
A defibrillator can be used in conjuncture with CPR where possible, which can shock a person’s chest and restore a normal heartbeat.
Ms Moscardini said: “A cardiac arrest is the ultimate medical emergency and, in the UK, there’s over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year and the survival rate is less than one in ten unfortunately.”
“Immediate CPR and use of a defibrillator can more than double the chances of survival.”
