Wales and Luton's Tom Lockyer reunited with medics who saved his life

Wales and Luton's Tom Lockyer reunited with medics who saved his life

Tom Lockyer, a former Wales footballer, faced a life-threatening moment when he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Luton Town in a Premier League match against Bournemouth in December 2023. The 30-year-old defender collapsed on the field, and his heart stopped, but quick action from paramedics Dean Fernee and Abbey Clarke from the South Western Ambulance Service saved his life by restarting his heart within just two minutes and 41 seconds.

Lockyer recently had the opportunity to meet the paramedics who saved him on the same pitch where the incident occurred. Recalling the terrifying moments after the defibrillator was used on him, Lockyer mentioned how he was unable to move or speak, experiencing a moment of realization that he could be facing death. With the support of his family and girlfriend present in the crowd, Lockyer felt the urge to reassure them of his well-being.

After the incident, Lockyer learned about the standard practice where away team medics inform their home counterparts about any player issues, which helped expedite the response to his situation. Even though he now has a defibrillator implanted in his chest as a precaution, Lockyer has not been able to return to playing due to ankle ligament damage that occurred shortly before his scheduled comeback. This sudden change in career trajectory led to an identity crisis for Lockyer, who had always been known as a footballer for the past two decades.

Lockyer has embraced his experience as an opportunity to raise awareness about resuscitation training and the importance of quick responses in emergency situations. As an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation, he encourages everyone to take 15 minutes to learn how to potentially save a life. Reflecting on the incident, Lockyer is grateful for the strangers who acted swiftly and effectively that night, showcasing the impact of a well-executed team effort in a critical moment

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