Heart attack boy ( 16) and his mum in moving tribute to his lifesavers
A young man who suffered a heart attack at a football tournament in Sligo Sport Complex has paid tribute to those who saved his life.
It was on Thursday 17th December 2015 as a group of students from Youthreach Sligo were playing football in Sligo Regional Sports Centre, when Owen Maughan, who is 16 years of age collapsed.
Although initially it was unknown what had happened to Owen the quick actions of Eamon Kelly ( Youthreach) and Ciaran Simpson ( Sligo Regional Sports Complex) saved his life. Owen was having a massive heart attack.
Eamon initially put Owen into the recovery position with his head supported.
He then checked his pulse which was difficult to find.
Thomas Myers ( a learner from Youthreach) made a 999 call while all the youthreach students present deserve great credit for remaining calm and helpful, as well as preparing access, and directing the ambulance crews.
Eamon then began CPR, while taking advice from the 999 call operator who was very important in giving instructions to Eamon.
Ciaran Simpson who realised something was wrong arrived into the hall and took over the administration of CPR to Owen.
Next, he quickly went and got a defibrillator which he attached to Owen and followed the instructions on how to administer it.
Sligo Regional Sports Complex deserves great credit for having the foresight to have a defibrillator available on their premises.
An ambulance crew from Sligo University Hospital quickly arrived on the scene and took over the care of Owen.
He was subsequently transferred to hospital in Sligo and later to The Mater Hospital in Dublin.
The hospital staff acknowledged the expertise of both Eamon Kelly and Ciaran Simpson as having saved Owen’s life.
Owen was discharged from the Mater Hospital three weeks later and is now doing fine.
He has been back to visit Youthreach and would like to thank everybody who helped save his life, and for all the good wishes he has received since that day.
Owen’s mother, Margaret would also like to add her thanks to everyone who helped Owen on the day and for the care he has been given since.