A WEST MERCIA Police officer is among those recognised for their life saving actions in performing CPR on a man.
Peter Prendiville was playing hockey at Droitwich Leisure Centre on Sunday, November 30 2024 when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Droitwich based PC Maria Francolini, along with other trained members of the public and staff at the centre, was instrumental in providing quality CPR to Peter at the scene.
This month, all those involved have been recognised with a Royal Humane Society resuscitation award.
PC Francolini’s inspector, Pete Frankish, praised their actions. He said: : “The early use of a defibrillator provided by the football club at the rear of the leisure centre was key in this incident.
“Early quality CPR and use of a defibrillator within minutes of Peter’s collapse also gave him the best chance of survival.”
Peter regained consciousness after Maria continued CPR for 20 minutes while shocks were delivered from the defibrillator. He was treated by ambulance staff en route to Worcester Royal Hospital where he was rushed to theatre and treated.
Peter said: “I am recovering well and feel extremely lucky to be alive. My family and I are so grateful to all those people who saved my life without hesitation.
“After a phased return to work I am living my life to the full, with only small adjustments to diet.
“The best take away is that learning CPR to the song Stayin’ Alive has so much more significance now.”
In Britain, 30,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest every year outside of hospital environments. British Heart Foundation figures show only one in 10 victims survive.
Inspector Frankish added: “There are a couple of reasons for this figure – namely the lack of education and training.
“This shows just how big of a difference defibrillators (AEDs), alongside effective CPR, make in the survival rate of victims during this critical time, and the steps people are taking to raise awareness of the issue.”
