Shropshire Star

Thanks to Telford life saver as campaign launched to map defibrillators across region

A Telford man today offered his heartfelt thanks to a stranger who saved his life – and backed a campaign piloted in Shropshire to save thousands suffering a cardiac arrest.

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Reunited – Stuart Nadal, left, pictured with Nigel Haseley back at the bar of the Cock Hotel

Stuart Nadal’s heart stopped as he ordered a drink at his local pub.

He would have died had it not been for the actions of painter and decorator Nigel Haseley, who sprang into action and gave him CPR until paramedics arrived.

The pair were reunited back at the Cock Hotel in Wellington just three weeks after the drama.

And Mr Nadal used the opportunity to add his voice to a campaign for more community defibrillators in Shropshire.

The British Heart Foundation wants more of the life-saving machines to be available on streets in the region and for the public to be aware of where they are so they can be accessed in the event of an emergency.

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One was yesterday launched at the cafe in Bowring Park in Wellington, just a couple of minutes away from the Cock Hotel.

Only one in 10 people suffering cardiac arrest currently survive because of a lack of knowledge of how to perform CPR and the lack of available community defibrillators, which can shock the heart back into life.

Collapsed

Mr Nadal, 71, who lives in Wellington, collapsed and stopped breathing during a visit to the pub on the afternoon of July 27.

He said: “I had arrived at the pub and ordered a drink. I was sitting on a stool at the bar. Next thing I know, I had fallen off the stool and blacked out. I had no recollection of what happened.

“I knew nothing until the next morning. I was taken to the cardiac unit at Princess Royal Hospital. I’d never had any problems before.”

Mr Haseley, 62, of Shawbirch, Telford, had called in to the pub with friends when it happened.

He had recently received first aid training at work and helped Mr Nadal by putting his CPR skills to the test at the Holyhead Road pub.

While Mr Haseley was giving Mr Nadal chest compressions he gasped and started breathing.

Mr Haseley was able to put him in the recovery position, but Mr Nadal still seemed to be having difficulty breathing.

He continued with chest compressions until the ambulance crew arrived and paramedics set up their defibrillator.

Speaking about Mr Haseley’s actions, Mr Nadal said: “Thanks is never enough. I also want to thank the ambulance crew and hospital staff who looked after me.”

Credit

Mr Haseley said it had been nice to meet Mr Nadal face-to-face, adding: “I’m glad he’s OK. The paramedics also deserve credit for the splendid job they did.

“They had to use their defibrillator and were working on him for about half an hour.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service has partnered with the British Heart Foundation and Microsoft to pilot a new project which will eventually map all of the UK’s public defibrillators.

It is hoped the project will help bystanders who witness someone going into cardiac arrest to become lifesavers, as well as provide an accurate database of locations for ambulance services to use.

Mr Haseley said: “I think it’s a good idea to have defibrillators in communities but in certain areas you don’t know where they are. There should be more awareness of where they are as they can help save lives.”

Mr Nadal also spoke in support of the scheme, adding: “It’s a wonderful idea. Hopefully some people can be rewarded with the sort of treatment I received. I am absolutely certain it will save lives.”

Where can you find a defibrillator?

Locations of Automated External Defibrillators in Shropshire according to heartsafe.org.uk

  • Shifnal FC Social Club, Newport Road, Shifnal.

  • White Hart pub, High Street, Shifnal.

  • Shifnal Scout and Guide HQ, 33 Curriers Lane, Shifnal.

  • Shifnal Library, Broadway.

  • Shifnal Village Hall, Aston Street, Shifnal.

  • Public toilets, Market Place, Shifnal.

  • Park House Hotel, Shifnal.

  • Shifnal War Memorial Club, Innage Road, Shifnal.

  • St Andrew’s Youth Club, Bridgnorth Road, Shifnal.

  • Shifnal Cricket Club Complex, Priorslee Road, Shifnal.

  • Severnside Housing, reception office, Brassey Road, Shrewsbury.

  • Mount Pleasant Primary School, Whitemere Road, Shrewsbury.

  • Shawbury Industrial Estate, Shawbury Heath.

  • Environment Agency, Hafren House, Holsworth Park, Shelton, Shrewsbury.

  • St John the Baptist School, Church Street, Ruyton XI Towns.

  • Ellesmere Town Hall, Willow Street, Ellesmere.

  • Llansilin Memorial Village Hall, B4580, Llansilin.

  • Recreation Pavilion, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, Powys.

  • Market Square, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant.

  • Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, Mid Wales.

  • Elements Europe, Queensway, Telford.

  • SP Services, Unit D4, Horton Park Industrial Estate, Hortonwood 7, Telford.

  • Telford Town Park Visitor Centre, Hinkshay Road, Telford.

  • Market Drayton Town Hall Entrance Wall, Frogmore Road, Market Drayton.

  • Lambert Leonard & May, outside wall on main road to the left of the gates, A525, Whitchurch.

  • The Dorothy Clive Garden, Tea Rooms, Willoughbridge.

  • Chetwode Arms, London Road, Pipe Gate.

  • Woore Country Store, The Square, Woore.