‘Miracle man’ thanks the teams who saved his life

A SHOPPING centre worker nicknamed the “miracle man” after surviving a cardiac arrest has thanked his colleagues and the ambulance team who saved his life.

Tony Hurley, a cleaning supervisor at St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff, was in work one morning when he suddenly collapsed.

Carl Thomas, Stan Mann and Kristian Taylor, from the centre’s security team, rushed to his aid to deliver CPR, as well as using a defibrillator to administer shocks to his heart.

In less than three minutes they were supported by Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic Jason Griffiths in a rapid-response vehicle and ambulance crew members Steve Clee and Rhian Conaghan. Together they were able to get Tony’s heart beating again.

Both Carl and Stan have been trained in life-saving skills in their role as Community First Responders (CFRs) with the ambulance service.

Deputy security supervisor Carl, who has volunteered with the trust for 12 years, said: “I was actually on my way to deliver a CPR and defibrillator session training on site when a call came over the radio for medical assistance and someone said that Tony had fallen down.

“I immediately noticed he wasn’t breathing so we got a defibrillator on him and started CPR.

“After two rounds of CPR his heart started beating again and the paramedic and ambulance crew continued his treatment.”

Tony was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, where he remained in a serious condition and spent time in intensive care.

After this expert care from the critical care team at the hospital, the 66-year-old defied the odds to make a successful recovery.

Tony had stents fitted to improve the blood flow to his heart and has also had an implantable defibrillator placed in his chest, which sends electrical pulses to regulate any abnormal heart rhythms which can cause a cardiac arrest.

Tony has recently returned to work after originally falling ill in September 2016 and expressed his gratitude to those who came to his aid.

He said: “I don’t think I’d be here today if it wasn’t for all their efforts, to be honest with you.

“When I came round in hospital the doctor said I was lucky to be alive after what happened – and he called me ‘the miracle man’.

“I’d been feeling short of breath for a while before it happened, but had no pains, and then I just collapsed one morning.

“I’m feeling great now, though, and I’ve had no problems since, so I’m extremely grateful to everyone who helped me.”

St David’s shopping centre currently has 17 staff members trained as CFRs.