CPR championed by survivor's wife

LIFE SAVER: Lyn Taylor from Havelock North and Gavin Holmes from Work and Income (Winz) Napier at a CPR public workshop at Napier's ASB Bank, yesterday. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

When Lyn Taylor's husband went into cardiac arrest on the golf course last year, it was CPR that saved him.

Fortunately, a friend had been able to perform the lifesaving treatment until an ambulance arrived - the action proved vital in his chance for recovery.

"Someone he played with knew how to do it and the ambulance was diverted onto the course, otherwise he would never have survived," Mrs Taylor said.

That's why she put her hand up to take part in a one-hour Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) workshop at Napier's ASB Bank yesterday to learn the basics of saving a life.

It was something Mrs Taylor had been considering for a long time, but a free, quick-fire course was the push she needed to get up to date with new techniques.

Coming away from it she felt more aware and had a set of skills that could make a difference. "I had been thinking about doing something with St John, I had always thought it was a good idea but life gets in the way.

"Most of the people there had a reason.

"We were very lucky [my husband] had someone who knew what to do - it's so important.

"I hope [I won't have to use it] but at least it gives me an idea."

The St John instructor ran through simple steps, taught everyone how to use a defibrillator and made them aware that CPR could benefit anyone of any age in an emergency.

"I have got more confidence dealing with anything, even if it's helping someone else - it can happen to anyone."

Her husband, 77, had played golf a couple of times a week, something he was just beginning to get back into now.