Mobile defibrillator saves footballer from cardiac arrest

Kevin Bovington, of Goring, experienced a cardiac arrest in late August, while playing against Barry Town Veterans Football Club at a tournament in Milton.

Barry Town had brought along a mobile defibrillator, donated to them by Tarmac’s Aberthaw Cement Plant, for instances requiring emergency medical assistance.

Wales and England over 65's (Image: Tarmac)

The device proved lifesaving when Barry Town's and Wales Veterans’ FA committee member Paul Averies used it to save Mr Bovington - with both men hailing from Goring. 

Mr Bovington credited this fast action and the use of the defibrillator saving his life.

He said: "On the day, all I remember is waking up in the ambulance where it was explained what had just taken place.

"I was dazed and bemused and it was difficult to believe what has just happened."

After his collapse, Mr Bovington was rushed to a local hospital.

There, he had stents fitted to correct a narrowing of the artery and a blockage.

Owing to the swift use of the mobile defibrillator, Mr Bovington was left with almost no long-term damage to his heart.

He added: "I was told by medics that the quick use of a defibrillator has a huge impact on the quality of life you have next.

"In my case because the defib was mobile and used very quickly, it has had virtually no long-term scarring on the heart."

Stuart Escott, manager of Tarmac’s Aberthaw Cement Plant, said: "Defibrillators are absolutely vital community resources, so when we donated it to Barry Town Veterans FC earlier this year, we knew how important it was and that it could potentially save a player’s life – yet we hoped that it would never be needed.

“A cardiac arrest can happen at literally any moment and we’d like to say a big well done to Paul for his swift reaction on the day and for calmly putting the defibrillator into action."

Subsequent to a rehabilitation programme, Mr. Bovington has regained his health, having recently played his first football match since the incident.

Since his scare, he has become a strong advocate for the presence of defibrillators at sports events.

He said: "As the veterans football scene grows and even more people aged 40, 50, 60 plus are keen to keep fit, with that comes more risk a need to protect people.

"I’d urge all club operators, and sports facilities to ‘think defib’ and ensure defibrillators are present at every sporting event."

Alun Huish, secretary for Barry Town Veterans Football Club and chairman for Wales Veterans Football Association, added: "We are thankful that Kevin is now on the road to a full recovery.

"I would, once again, like to thank Aberthaw-Tarmac for their generosity.”