Paramedics helped to save an 82-year-old tennis player who suffered a cardiac arrest at Hampton Court Palace.
David Peregrine-Jones, from Hampton Wick, was playing a competition final against a 22-year-old at the Royal Tennis Court when he suddenly collapsed.
Staff from the Royal Tennis Court and the Palace fitted a nearby defibrillator to his chest in order to restart his heart before paramedics arrived on the scene six minutes later.
Consultant Paramedic Mark Faulkner, who was among a group of five paramedics at the scene, said: “David is incredibly lucky that life-saving equipment was on site, and the trained responders and expert help arrived so quickly.
“When someone has a cardiac arrest every second counts and the minutes before the arrival of the ambulance service are vital to ensure the patient survives.
“The interventions needed are simple and can be learnt in just a few minutes. You buy time by applying chest compressions hard and fast in the middle of the chest. Whenever there is a public access defibrillator available, this should also be used.”
Mr Peregrine-Jones has since received treatment, including surgery for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to provide a shock if his heart stops again.
He is now recovering at home and looks forward to getting back to an active life, including tending to his allotment, dinghy sailing and charitable work with his livery company.
Reflecting on the traumatic incident, he said: “They were all so careful, compassionate, and clear about what needed to happen to me to get the best outcome. I’m very happy to have come through it all intact.”
Nick Wood, Head Professional at the Royal Tennis Court, said: “A combination of being prepared and good fortune enabled myself and fellow Royal Tennis Court members to act so quickly. Having a defibrillator located nearby undoubtedly increased the chances of successfully resuscitating David.”
