Off-duty Derby hospital worker saves man's life at cricket match

A man who suffered a cardiac arrest while watching a cricket match has thanked an off-duty Derby hospital worker who saved his life.

Chris Sexton, 76, was enjoying a day out watching games at his beloved Ockbrook and Borrowash Cricket Club on May 20 when he started to feel unwell.

Sarah Rockley, discharge team leader at Royal Derby Hospital, was also at the game watching her sons play - but just moments after Chris began feeling unwell, she was delivering life-saving CPR on him.

Chris, who lives in Ockbrook, recalled: "It was such a lovely day and I was just sitting on the bench, and I just didn't feel 'right'.

"I stood up and took a few deep breaths thinking it would help, but then I really started to feel unwell.

"I turned to some of the others sitting near me and told them how I was feeling, and that was the last thing I can remember."

It was at this point that Chris collapsed and Sarah intervened swiftly, firstly administering CPR before using the cricket club's defibrillator to save Chris' life.

'I acted on my instincts'

Sarah said: "I was watching the cricket and enjoying my day off and just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

"It was quite a worrying situation and lots of people just weren't sure of what to do - but I acted on my instincts."

Chris was then rushed to Royal Derby Hospital in an ambulance where he underwent a series of tests before being fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which helps keep the heart beating regularly and can administer defibrillation.

Reflecting on what happened, Chris recalled a very similar incident which took place 27 years earlier - and heaped praise on Sarah for saving his life.

He said: "It is sheer luck that this has happened to me twice and I'm still here to tell the tale.

"Back in 1996, the same thing happened to me at the same cricket club - and this time Sarah was there to save me.

"If it wasn't for her, I don't think I would've made it."

Anyone can be a life-saver with training

Chris has now been discharged from hospital and he is continuing his recovery at home.

Sarah's timely actions have had a profound effect on Chris - but she said it highlights the importance of basic CPR training which she said can make anyone a life-saver.

She said: "The cricket club has recently had a defibrillator installed and this incident just goes to show important these can be, but also the importance of people being trained in CPR which really can save someone's life.

"I'm really glad to see that Chris is making a good recovery.

"I wish him all the best going forward and I'm sure I'll see him at the cricket club again before too long."

A spokesperson for University Hospitals of Derby and Burton said: "We are incredibly proud of Sarah's quick action and this remarkable story really shows the impact that a basic skill like CPR can have.

"First aid courses are run regularly in most areas around the UK and we would encourage everyone to learn these simple skills, which can truly save lives."