Trainer saves collapsed footballers life

The following article was printed in the Sunraysia Daily 17.4.18

 

Trainer saves collapsed footballers life:

 

A DEFIBRILLATOR and the quick thinking of a senior trainer were credited with saving the life of a country footballer on Saturday.

Kerang’s Patrick Featonby is in a stable condition after suffering a heart attack during a Central Murray league reserves clash against Balranald.

He collapsed during the first quarter and was able to be revived with the defibrillator before the ambulance arrived. He was then transported by road to Mildura and then flown to The Alfred hospital.

“We were very thankful both to ours and their senior trainer – without their quick action and the defibrillator, which was key to his survival – we would be having a different conversation this morning.” Kerang president Rob Fisher said yesterday. “They worked on him for about 15 minutes and were able to revive him with the defibrillator before the ambulance arrived.”

Defibrillators have been provided at most country football grounds, including throughout Sunraysia.

The footballer would see a cardiologist today but was in ‘good spirits”, Fisher said.

The reserves match was abandoned and, after discussions between the two coaches, the senior game was also abandoned on Saturday.