We will be reporting on lives saved around the world since our first documented life saved here in Singapore.
About 4.45pm 22-year old Diarmuid O’Connell suddenly and without warning collapsed to the ground.
One eye witness told The Corkman that umpires immediately brought on a stretcher to the young man and quickly realised that his condition was serious.
Luckily, a portable defibrillator, bought for the Castlemagner club two years ago, which was just 20 yards away and was brought to his side. His two quick-acting team mates, Gearoid O’Leary and DJ Collins put their CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training to fast use.
“Gearoid and DJ knew that it was serious as Diarmuid was out cold and a defibrillator will not give a shock unless it is needed,” said an eyewitness. “The two boys working on Diarmaid remained calm and were in full control at all times. This all happened so suddenly and without warning. Everything that could be done was done and it was done efficiently.”
An ambulance went immediately to the pitch at Castlemagner, as did a doctor from Southdoc and the Gardai. The ambulance subsequently received a Garda escort to CUH.
Diarmuid works as a teacher in Rathmore and he started the game playing wing forward.
Millstreet referee Denis Hickey said he suddenly heard roaring and shouting. “It was a terrible shock and thankfully there was a defibrillator at Castlemagner,” he told The Corkman. “This is now a wake-up call to other clubs in the area who do not have one.”
