Ex-Cop Saved by Firefighter Friends After Heart Scare on Golf Day
Heart-Stopping Moment on the Green
Martin George, a former police officer, owes his life to two quick-thinking firefighters who saved him during a cardiac arrest on the golf course. While enjoying a round at Cowdray Park Golf Club last November 4, Martin suddenly stopped breathing.
Dan Moon and Wayne Challen, on-call firefighters and Martin’s golf partners from Midhurst Fire Station, sprang into action. They called an ambulance and delivered CPR, using the club’s defibrillator to shock Martin back to life before emergency services arrived.
Life-Saving Skills Off-Duty
Martin was rushed by air ambulance to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth for urgent surgery. Reflecting on the ordeal, he said:
“I cannot thank Dan and Wayne enough for everything they have done for me. I almost skipped the golf due to back pains, but I’m glad I didn’t because I was with people trained in first aid and emergency care. That gave me the best chance of survival.”
He praised Cowdray Park Golf Club for having a defibrillator on site and trained staff ready to assist. “Every minute without a defibrillator lowers survival chances. The club’s precautions and training truly made a difference.”
Fire Service Boss Hails Heroic Firefighters
Martin later returned to Midhurst Fire Station with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Peter Rickard to thank the brave men. Peter said:
“Using first aid training off the job can be daunting, but Wayne and Dan put their skills to excellent use. Their quick thinking was vital in saving their friend’s life.”
Peter highlighted the importance of CPR skills and said many fire stations in busy areas have defibrillators outside and on fire engines.
Learn CPR and Save Lives
The British Heart Foundation is urging everyone to get trained in CPR to boost survival chances in cardiac emergencies. Visit their website for lifesaving tips and courses.
