Edinburgh man highlights importance of lifesaving skills
An Edinburgh man whose life was saved following a life-threatening emergency earlier this year, is appealing for nominations to recognise Scotland’s first aid heroes who have helped to save multiple lives across the country.
Keith Ridley, 70, who coaches at Edinburgh Athletic Club, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in April on the outdoor field at Meadowbank Sports Centre. Thankfully, medical students and staff from Meadowbank were close by to assist and provide immediate lifesaving first aid, with their quick thinking, action and first aid knowledge ultimately keeping Keith alive.
Six months after the incident, Keith is highlighting the importance of first aid skills and training and encouraging those who know of any First Aid heroes throughout the country to come forward and nominate them for an award. Supporting the launch of St. Andrew’s First Aid’s annual Scottish First Aid Awards for 2024, Keith is keen that those who have helped in situations like his are recognised for their bravery and swift actions.
As Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, St Andrew’s First Aid’s annual awards ceremony recognises outstanding groups and individuals who have performed life-saving acts across Scotland or who have gone above and beyond to implement first aid skills, training, and resources into their organisation.
Nominations for the awards, which include nine categories, are now open with the charity encouraging entries ahead of the event which will take place in Glasgow on 29 March 2024.
Keith, who lives an active lifestyle and had no previous health concerns, trains regularly at the club where he was an athlete from 1969, before turning to coaching in 1998. On the evening of the incident, Keith had just completed a session of six 200m sprints and was chatting to a colleague when he suddenly collapsed.
Thankfully, a group of medical students were close by who quickly realised what had happened and came to Keith’s assistance. They were quickly followed by staff from Meadowbank, including Operations Manager, Martin Bews.
Keith, who was out for a total of 11 minutes, was given lifesaving CPR from Martin as Meadowbank staff brought their onsite defibrillator to the scene. Keith received two shocks from the defibrillator, alongside chest compressions and mouth to mouth until the ambulance arrived eight minutes later.
Recalling the incident, Keith said: “There were no warning signs at all. I was tired from my training, but this was nothing unusual, I didn’t feel any chest pains or anything out of the ordinary.
“It all happened so quickly, and I am very fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time. Having the medical students and staff from Meadowbank there to immediately step in and deliver CPR, saved my life.
“My experience has really highlighted that doing nothing isn’t an option in these situations. If they hadn’t stepped in, I would have lost my life and I am so grateful to those involved with helping me that evening.
“I think it also highlights the importance of having defibrillators available to be accessed by the public, as this was vital to the team who were saving me.”
Following his sudden cardiac arrest, Keith spent a week in hospital and had two stents and an internal defibrillator fitted.
Keith added: “Words really can’t explain how grateful I am that they were there and knew how to respond. For me, it’s really highlighted the importance of first aid training – I know that those within the sporting community are regularly trained – but it did make me think what if this had happened when I was somewhere else and wasn’t around people who knew what they were doing.
“It’s scary to think like that and further emphasises the need for training across the country.”
Martin Bews, Operations Manager for Edinburgh Leisure, was one of the first on the scene following Keith’s cardiac arrest. Having originally started his career as a lifeguard, Martin is regularly trained on emergency first aid within his role. His first response upon hearing what had happened was to jump into action to support.
When Martin arrived at the scene, he began delivering CPR for a total of nine minutes, playing a vital role in saving Keith’s life. When the paramedics arrived on the scene, they asked Martin to continue what he was doing to allow them to bring out their necessary equipment, and later commended him for his lifesaving actions.
Martin recalls the event: “It’s amazing really to think you’ve played a part in saving someone’s life. You never ever think something like this will happen to you and it really puts it into perspective just how important it is that you not only know what to do but remember to actually do it and not panic.
“At the time, I just went into help mode. It took a good few days for what had actually happened to really sink in. When we received a follow up call to let us know Keith was doing well, that’s when the relief sank in, and I felt an immense feeling of pride that I had been able to play a part in saving someone’s life.
“I used to work in the same building as Keith’s son, so for me there was a personal connection too, which made the stark reality of how it could have ended even more hard-hitting. I’m just so glad that I, and the rest of the team involved, were able to step in immediately and provide the first aid that was needed to keep Keith alive.”
Since the incident, Keith has been focusing on his physical recovery, which has involved taking part in a designated rehabilitation programme. Fit for Health, through the NHS and Edinburgh Leisure weekly, giving him structure and guidance in getting more fit.
Martin and the rest of the team at Meadowbank are being nominated for a St Andrew’s First Aid award this year, to commend their quick thinking actions and applaud their efforts in saving Keith’s life.
With stories such as Keith’s an important reminder of how pivotal first aid training can be, St. Andrew’s First Aid is encouraging the general public, organisations and businesses to nominate any outstanding individuals and groups who have shown first aid excellence, for its 2024 awards.
Stuart Callison, Chief Executive of St. Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Each year we are overwhelmed with the number of courageous people across Scotland, who have stepped up and stepped in during emergency situations like Keith’s.
“We know all too well that had Keith not been in the presence of a team of first aid trained individuals, the outcome of his story could have been drastically different.
“We want to encourage those who have saved a life or know of someone who has displayed first aid excellence, to come forward and nominate for this year’s awards, to ensure these heroes get the true recognition they deserve.”
To nominate an individual, or organisation for an award, please visit:
https://www.firstaid.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/events/scottish-first-aid-awards/
The nine categories for the 2024 Scottish First Aid Awards are:
- St Andrew’s First Aid Corps Company of the Year
- The Douglas Bremner First Aid Volunteer
- The Amy Allan Young First Aid Volunteer
- Community First Aid Champion
- Emergency Services Hero
- First Aid Hero
- First Class
- Employer of the Year Award for First Aid Excellence
- Young First Aid Hero
Applications for nominations close on 15th December 2023.