A north-east rugby player who survived a cardiac arrest while training on the pitch is calling for children to be taught life-saving skills.
Chris Arnott was taking part in a practice session with Fraserburgh Rugby Club team mates in August when he collapsed.
The 33-year-old’s heart stopped for seven minutes and his quick-thinking friends managed to save his life by performing CPR and using a defibrillator.
Wife of north-east rugby player who collapsed on pitch smashes fundraising target
Mr Arnott, a father-of-two, spent several weeks in hospital and has since returned home where is still recovering.
His rugby career is sadly at an end after being fitted with a defibrillator designed to help people at high risk of cardiac arrest.
Now the police officer wants children to learn the crucial skills that saved his life so more people are able to help cardiac arrest patients in similar circumstances in the future.
Mr Arnott said his recovery was “going very well” and he is getting stronger with each passing day.
He wants the next generation to learn how to carry out CPR and use a defibrillator in an emergency situation.
Mr Arnott said: “I feel as though CPR and us should be taught at a young age, through school and other forms of education.
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“This way every sports team in the country should be fully aware of how to administer emergency first aid if required.
“This has been a bit of a shock to the system as I felt fit and healthy before the incident happened.
“I have definitely noticed a change in my health since my cardiac arrest, however I am getting stronger everyday so I’m sure it won’t be long before I am back to my normal self.”
Mr Arnott’s wife Dawn took it upon herself to fundraise for new defibrillators in Fraserburgh.
She raised almost £5,000 which was handed out to the Fraserburgh Community Safety Group over the weekend.
North-east rugby club to set up defibrillator following pitch side collapse
They will use the £4,600, as well as a further £2,600 from Fraserburgh Hospital to buy seven public access defibrillators for the town and the surrounding area.
There are currently five of the life-saving devices in the port available 24 hours a day.
Mr Arnott praised his wife for taking on the fundraising campaign which was launched during his time in hospital.
He said: “My wife has been doing some amazing work in regards to the fundraising and I am super proud of the work she had done.
“It is also a testament to her resilience as she has shown some tremendous courage throughout this ordeal.
“It has helped keep me and my kids strong.”
