Leisure centre staff commended by EEAST for lifesaving actions

The commendation was awarded by EEAST's Deputy CEO Kate Vaughton to staff at Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles and Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles, at an awards ceremony for Tendring Council staff on Thursday 8th February.

Staff at both sites took quick action to perform CPR on two separate occasions. In September 2023, a player collapsed during a football match on the artificial pitch at Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles. Staff performed CPR and used the centre's defibrillator until ambulance crews arrived.

In November 2023, staff at Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles rushed to assist a patient who had collapsed outside the centre. Again, staff acted quickly to put their basic life support training into action before ambulance crews arrived on scene.

It is understood that both patients recovered from these incidents.

Kate Vaughton, EEAST's Deputy CEO and Director of Integration, said: "I was delighted to present a CEO commendation certificate, on behalf of our Chief Executive Tom Abell, to leisure centre staff at Tendring District Council who came to the aid of two individuals suffering medical emergencies last year.

"Their quick thinking and actions to put their basic life support training into use undoubtedly made all the difference in ensuring good outcomes for both patients. In recognition of their actions, EEAST would like to thank everyone at Tendring District Council involved by awarding a CEO commendation.

"Incidents like these are a reminder of the importance of learning CPR and having an accessible network of community defibrillators."

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, added: "We are so proud of our staff, whose quick actions helped to save the lives of two people in our community, and we are grateful to EEAST for recognising their contribution at our staff awards.

"Our staff go through regular first aid training, always in the hope they will not have to use it, but it is reassuring to know they are ready to spring into action should they need to.

"I would like to reiterate my thanks, on behalf of TDC, to all the staff involved."