A 67-year-old man has spoken out about the dramatic rescue he received from leisure staff at a Tameside leisure centre after he collapsed. Hing Fai Ko, a pensioner from Greater Manchester, was at the centre when he suddenly fell ill. However, thanks to the quick-thinking response of the lifeguards, his life was saved in what he described as a 'second chance at life'.
According to Mr Ko, he had been enjoying a leisurely swim when he started to feel unwell. He collapsed shortly after, but the lifeguards were on hand to administer first aid and revive him. 'I am extremely grateful to the lifeguards for their bravery and quick thinking,' Mr Ko said in an interview. 'Without their help, I may not be here today.'
The incident highlights the importance of first aid training in public places, particularly in leisure centres where people are more likely to be physically active. The Royal Life Saving Society UK estimates that every year, over 300,000 people in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest, and having trained individuals on hand can make a significant difference in saving lives. The organisation is now calling for more leisure centres to provide first aid training for their staff.
Mr Ko has praised the Tameside lifeguards for their bravery and quick thinking, saying that he will be forever grateful to them. He is now recovering well and is looking forward to getting back to his normal routine. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of first aid training and the bravery of individuals who are willing to step in and save lives.
UKPulse Media has reached out to the Royal Life Saving Society UK for comment on the incident. A spokesperson for the organisation said, 'This is a great example of the importance of first aid training in public places. We would like to see more leisure centres provide this training for their staff, as it can make a significant difference in saving lives.'