Heart op Finlay’s happy to see more defibs at campus
A man who suffered a cardiac arrest while a student at the University of Stirling two years ago has welcomed news that new defibrillators are being introduced to campus.
Finlay Richardson was aged just 20 when he collapsed during an evening lacrosse training session on the university’s sports pitches in February, 2016.
As he lay unresponsive on the pitch, concerned team-mates alerted sports centre staff who arrived moments later.
Gareth Allen, Conor Kerr, Kevin McIntosh and one of Finlay’s friends Eilidh Watson carried out CPR and used the sports centre defibrillator to administer shocks to save his life.
Finlay, who is originally from Edinburgh but now lives in Stirling, said: “The staff were brilliant and gave me CPR while the defibrillator started up.
“They shocked me once, did more CPR, and then shocked me again two or three more times. I think the paramedics also used their defibrillator on me and it was in that moment that I came round.”
Finlay, a third-year student at the time, was rushed to Forth Valley Hospital where he was diagnosed with a delated cardiomyopathy – a condition where the left ventricle is enlarged and weakened, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood.
He spent the next two and a half weeks in hospital and was fitted with an implantable defibrillator as a precaution.
After making a full recovery he graduated with a first-class honours degree in environmental science last summer.
The 23-year-old is now returning to the university to work on a PhD, and he was back at university campus last week to thank staff and paramedics who saved his life, while welcoming the installation of 11 new defibrillators.
He said: “It is really scary to think that, if this had happened to me somewhere else, there’s a chance that I wouldn’t be here anymore.
“I was fortunate that there was a defibrillator at the sports centre and the staff and the paramedics had the skills and expertise to save my life.
“It is impossible for me to put into words how grateful I am to everybody who was involved that day.”
He added: “I am absolutely delighted that the university is introducing these new defibrillators. I speak from personal experience when I say that they can make a vital difference.
“Before I suffered a cardiac arrest I had never really thought about defibrillators – but now I’m well aware of their importance. Every time I pass one, I make sure to get my photo taken next to it to raise awareness around their use because, in my opinion, they are so under appreciated.
“I would love to see more rolled out across Scotland to ensure that this critical resource is available to everybody no matter where they take ill.”
The new defibrillators take the total number located on campus to 20.
There are six at the university residences, five at the sports facilities and others in the campus security car, the library, the Macrobert Centre and the property management offices.
Another is also due to be installed at the Pathfoot building.
Two are held by Airthrey Park Medical Practice while the sports laboratory in the Cottrell building and the union football team have one each.
All will be registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service for public access which will allow emergency call handlers guide callers to the nearest one in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Graeme Young, accommodation operations manager at the university, said: “I’m really pleased that the university has recognised the benefits of having defibrillators in and around campus and our residences.
“They provide a much-needed reassurance to students, staff and the general public that, in the event of a cardiac arrest, we are well equipped with the necessary tools to provide the greatest chance of survival.”