Prestigious award for Springhead life-savers

Pictured is Michael Riordan presenting awards to Eric Power and Jack Gaskell

Awards from the Royal Humane Society have been presented by a Grotton resident who was saved by sports club members who were merely out for an afternoon game of bowls. 

In April 2023, Liberal Democrat Councillor Alicia Marland helped organise the installation of a defibrillator at the Springhead social club through funding which she had gained from a donation from a club member and the Saddleworth Rotary Club. 

“I was delighted to make it possible for this AED to be funded and put in such a prominent place so that users of the club and residents could have access to it 24/7," she said.

"But never hoping that it would be used and particularly on a resident that I knew and had worked with."

Only five months later, Grotton resident Michael Riordan suffered a cardiac arrest whilst playing bowls at the Springhead social club and two players sprung into action to revive him. 

Fellow bowlers Eric Power and Jack Gaskell recognised the signs that Mick was seriously unwell, called 999 but also made use of the recently deployed defibrillator. 

“It was through their quick thinking and their lack of hesitation at stepping forward to give first aid that Mick was revived and made a full recovery," added Cllr Marland. 

"An air ambulance was also sent to the scene, landed on the bowling green and Mick was taken to a nearby hospital.

“He really was very fortunate that this defibrillator was so close by and that the players knew what to do."

Defibrillators, also known as AEDs, allow members of the public to administer vital life-saving treatment and significantly increase the survival chances of anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest. 

Only one in ten people survive an out of hospital cardiac episode so it is important that people know where their local AED is and have a basic understanding of how to use it. 

The British Heart Foundation offer online training courses – learning CPR in 15 minutes through their RevivR course.

Cllr Marland added: "Many congratulations to Eric and Jack for receiving their awards and I wish them all many more happy hours of playing bowls together."

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