This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
A customer at Westridge Leisure Centre has thanked a member of staff for helping save his life after he suffered a heart attack.
Andy Parnell has just finished a workout in the Tone Zone gym on Wednesday 30 July when his chest tightened and he had a sudden aching feeling.
Recognising he did not look well, duty manager Lizzie Phipps took it upon herself to ensure that an ambulance was called straight away and that Andy was made comfortable and in the least amount of pain he could be.
Andy commented:
“I had just finished my workout when I felt a sharp pain in my chest, however I carried on not thinking it was serious.
“Lizzie recognised I did not look well and told me to sit down, take it easy and wait for a paramedic. I initially said I was fine and wanted to drive home, but Lizzie basically told me to stay where I was until the paramedics arrived.
“It was the best thing she could have done, because unbeknown to me at the time, I was having a heart attack and I dread to think what could of happened had I driven home. I may not even be here.”
Andy was taken by ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital where he was then flown to Southampton General for specialist treatment. He has since been discharged and is recovering well.
Andy added:
“The paramedics in the ambulance and the crew on the helicopter said had it not been for Lizzie and her help in recognising the symptoms and helping me, I may not have survived. I owe Lizzie an awful lot and will be forever grateful.
“I also did not realise I was in trouble, and it goes to show that whenever someone says you do not look well, you really should listen. It may just save your life.”
Floral surprise
Andy paid a visit to Westridge early on Wednesday 6 August to surprise Lizzie with a bunch of flowers and to thank her for her help.
Speaking after seeing Andy again, Lizzie said:
“I do not feel like a hero, I was only doing what anyone else with my training would do.
“I saw Andy did not look well and my first aid training kicked in. I wanted to do everything I could to make sure he was ok before the ambulance arrived.
“Thankfully he listened to me and I am very pleased he is making a good recovery. His surprise visit to thank me was very overwhelming and made me quite emotional.”
Shirley Smart, Executive member with responsibility for leisure, said:
“All our leisure centre staff are given first aid training and I am delighted Lizzie saw there was a problem and was able to help Mr Parnell when he was in difficulty. There is no doubt she helped save his life.
“On behalf of the council, I want to thank Lizzie for her actions.”
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
