Colleagues spring into action after attack

‘‘It’s amazing how much of a brain fade you have after practising it so many times.

‘‘The defibrillators are good because they give you the rhythm, they do the breathing for you.’’

Meanwhile, Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade’s first responder Paul Griffiths had been alerted to the incident, by an app on his phone called GoodSAM, which alerts people to cardiac arrests within 1000 metres.

He was working just down the road from truck yard. When he arrived, the defibrillator had already shocked Sutton twice.

The three men carried on with their efforts until the fire truck arrived with more trained volunteers, which was later followed by the ambulance.

Griffiths said Sutton was exceptionally lucky.

‘‘It just shows that having defibrillators on site is life changing - and knowing how to do CPR.

‘‘Once defibrillators start giving regular shocks, it’s a bit more promising.

‘‘Malcolm was making a bit of noise after a while and he started to breathe occasionally, but his heart was still in a bad rhythm.’’

He added they were an invaluable item for workplaces.

‘‘Just buy one. They’re not worth a huge amount anymore - and put staff through regular first aid...early CPR and defibrillators are key.’’

Sutton said he was relieved his boss had the foresight to purchase one.

‘‘I always looked at it on the mantelpiece and thought ‘that’s a handy piece of kit’ but I never thought it would be used on me.’’