How a first aid class helped me bring my dog back from the dead
WHEN Colin Maclean signed up to a first aid course at work, he never imagined his first patient would be his dog.
But the builder was able to put his skills to remarkable use – by resuscitating his Alsatian after it suffered a heart attack.
The pair were enjoying a morning walk last week and Zak was running through newly-fallen snow, biting mouthfuls of snowflakes from the ground when suddenly the four-year-old pet collapsed.
Mr Maclean, from Stornoway, Lewis, rushed to the animal’s side but could find no signs of life. The dog’s breathing had stopped and Zak was unresponsive.
In desperation, Mr Maclean, 52, decided to adapt the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques he had learned on a plastic mannequin to try to treat his stricken pet.
He put his palms on to the ribs above Zak’s heart and began to carry out chest compressions.
It seemed he was losing the battle and it was not until halfway through a third cycle of compressions Zak twitched backed to life and started to breathe again.
The ordeal began when Mr Maclean was walking with Zak and his other Alsatian Zeus.
He said: ‘They had never seen snow before. Zak was eating snow and having a great time, then I noticed he was lying on his side. I checked for his breathing, pulse and chest movements, but there were none. I couldn’t do rescue breaths because a dog’s mouth goes so much around its head.
‘So I placed both hands, palms down, one behind the other on his rib cage above his heart.’
When Zak’s heart started beating again Mr Maclean was overjoyed. He said: ‘The vet gave Zak a shot of adrenaline and told me that when a dog gets excited playing in the snow it can bring on a heart attack. ‘I’m so glad I did that course.’ Zak has made a full recovery and Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: ‘It’s such a heart-warming story to hear and we’re delighted that Zak has made a full recovery. Well done to Colin Maclean for his quick thinking.’