The Stone man who suffered a cardiac arrest at Westbridge Park Fitness Centre made an emotional return to thank the fitness instructor who saved his life.
Russell Follows said if it hadn’t been for the actions of Lee Nicklin, he wouldn’t be alive today.
Russell suffered a cardiac arrest in the changing rooms of the borough council run fitness centre. But Lee used CPR and an on-site defibrillator to keep him alive until an ambulance took him to University of North Staffordshire Hospital.
Russell, 55, said: “Thanks to Lee I’m still here and in the world. I’m coming to terms with what’s happened. I can’t remember anything from that night, not even driving to the gym, or using the gym.
“He acted immediately and did enough that evening to save my life and I can only say a million thank yous. And even that’s not enough. He is a genuinely nice guy, and got very emotional when I went in and thanked him last week.”
Russell said how defibrillators are a much needed piece of equipment: “I’m just grateful that as well as Lee there was a defibrillator on hand which is there for everyone to use in emergencies – and as you can see they save lives.”
But the incident has not put him off using the gym: “I enjoy the gym so it’s hard not to go, but I’ve been told to take it easy. So I’m not going to overdo it just yet.”
Russell left hospital on Saturday 2nd March after undergoing surgery, where he was fitted with a mini defibrillator, following the cardiac arrest last month. He said: “Having the defibrillator fitted was a big decision to make, but really it’s a no brainer, it’s like a comfort blanket in case anything happens again. Plus it’s also peace of mind for my family.”
Lee, 39, said: “It was all part of the job. We are trained to use the defibrillators and knowing that it saved Russell’s life demonstrates how important the machine and our regular training is. It was just so emotional and great to see Russell when he came back into the gym with a thank you card.”
Councillor Mike Smith, cabinet member for leisure, said: “We had a similar incident happen in Stafford several years ago, and it just highlights how important defibrillators are.”
Stafford Borough Council provides defibrillators at a number of its premises including all leisure centres, the Civic Centre, Gatehouse Theatre and the crematorium on Tixall Road with around 70 members of staff trained to use them.
