Hurler Saved By Gym Buddies
Former Down player Stephen Keith credits training partners with saving his life after cardiac arrest in gym, now urges others to learn CPR
Former Down hurler Stephen Keith has credited his training partners with saving his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest in a gym in Portaferry. Keith, 39, collapsed after a training session and spent almost a month in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
The incident occurred when Keith was taking part in a training session at the gym, which included a finisher that he described as a race. After completing the exercise, he walked away from the bike and suddenly collapsed, stopping breathing. A trained nurse who was participating in the session immediately began CPR, while others rushed to retrieve nearby defibrillators in the town.
The downtime after Keith's collapse was approximately 20 to 22 minutes. He has said that without the quick actions of his training partners, including Barry Milligan who started CPR, he would not have survived. Keith has been cleared to return to training and gym work, but believes his playing days are over.
Keith has had an implantable defibrillator fitted as a precaution after doctors discovered that one of his main coronary arteries was blocked and inserted a stent. He is now urging more people to learn CPR and ensure that defibrillators are available in their communities, highlighting the importance of these measures in saving lives.
## Why it matters The incident has highlighted the importance of CPR training and access to defibrillators in communities. Keith's experience shows that these measures can be life-saving, and he is now advocating for more people to learn CPR and ensure that defibrillators are readily available. With two young children at home, aged five and three, Keith is grateful to have been given a second chance and is now focused on raising awareness about the importance of CPR and defibrillators.
Keith's story serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies, particularly in sports and fitness settings. His experience has also led him to re-evaluate his priorities, and he has stated that he does not think he will play hurling again. Instead, he is focused on his health and well-being, and is grateful for the support of his family and community.
