Andron security guards have been praised for saving the life of a football fan.
The staff at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, who were trained in life-saving first aid techniques, rushed to the aid of Keith Fletcher, when he fell seriously ill in the bookies.
The 67-year old suffered a heart attack in the store whilst placing his usual Saturday afternoon bet. Luckily, shopping centre security staff Mark Bleasdale, Raja Tariq and Tony Kemp were immediately on hand to help.
Mark said: “We were asked to assist with a first aid incident, and even though the betting store is not part of the shopping centre, we naturally agreed to help.
“Tony attended the bookmakers before requesting the defibrillator. I immediately went out to the store to find Keith in the recovery position and not breathing.
“Whilst I prepared the equipment, Tony gave Keith CPR and Raja spoke to the emergency services. After using the defibrillator, we managed to keep him breathing and his heart beating until the ambulance arrived.
“Following the incident, we were so glad to hear that Keith was recovering well in hospital and then a few weeks later to see him coming into the centre to thank us was amazing.”
Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre manager, said he was proud to see the team respond so quickly to such a serious incident. He said: “We give all of the shopping centre team extensive training to be able to deal with any critical incident that may occur in Rochdale Exchange or around the town centre.
“Mark, Tony and Raja did an incredible job giving CPR and using the defibrillator to revive Keith and it shows true testimony to the importance of knowing how to do first aid, especially how to use a defibrillator, as you never know when it may be required.
“It was a real team effort to help save Keith’s life and I am extremely thankful and proud of everyone involved.”
Andron and all staff at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre are pleased to see that Keith has made a quick recovery and wish him the very best, and hope to see him back in the centre soon.