Players save team mate in GAA pitch collapse
portable defib proved vital in saving life
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Thursday February 26 2009
TWO fast acting Cullen players can be regarded as heroes this week after they put their CPR and defibrillation training to quick use and came to the aid of a 22-year-old team-mate who "suddenly dropped to the ground" when playing a league game in Castlemagner on Saturday evening.
About 4.45pm Diarmuid O'Connell suddenly and without warning collapsed to the ground. One eye witness told The Corkman that umpires immediately brought on a stretcher to the young man and quickly realised that his condition was serious. Luckily, a portable defibrillator, bought for the Castlemagner club two years ago, which was just 20 yards away and was brought to his side. His two quick-acting team mates, Gearoid O'Leary and DJ Collins put their CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training to fast use.
"Gearoid and DJ knew that it was serious as Diarmuid was out cold and a defibrillator will not give a shock unless it is needed," said an eyewitness. "The two boys working on Diarmaid remained calm and were in full control at all times. This all happened so suddenly and without warning. Everything that could be done was done and it was done efficiently."
An ambulance went immediately to the pitch at Castlemagner, as did a doctor from Southdoc and the Gardai. The ambulance subsequently received a Garda escort to CUH.
The Castlemagner club has had a defibrillator since 2007, with 10-12 people trained in its use. Unheard of up to a few years ago, at the game on Saturday evening there were also other people at hand who could also use the defibrillator and who also had the all important CPR training.
Diarmuid works as a teacher in Rathmore and he started the game playing wing forward. There were about 30 people at the game on Saturday evening when the horror unfolded early in the second half. Millstreet referee Denis Hickey said he suddenly heard roaring and shouting. "It was a terrible shock and thankfully there was a defibrillator at Castlemagner," he told The Corkman. "This is now a wake-up call to other clubs in the area who do not have one."
An official at Cullen GAA club confirmed to The Corkman that they do not have a defibrillator, but are in the process of securing one. "We will be getting one within the next week or two," said the spokesperson. "We are very grateful to the two boys and we are delighted that they had the knowledge and skill on the day. We are also very grateful to the ambulance and to the Garda escort."
The Corkman understands Mr O'Connell was the victim of some form of heart attack and is still being treated in hospital this week.
see also Page 3
- MARIA HERLIHY
