[ Tim Sams] - Recovering well - update

[Dazzler]

As many of you are aware, Tim, one of our volunteers, who has many roles at the club, had a cardiac incident earlier in the year, and is now recovering.

He hopes to get to a match in the near future.

Earlier in the week, Tim popped up to the ground with Roy Linsell, to catch up, have a walk around the ground and a cup of tea in Dale's bar.

Whilst chatting Tim mentioned a blog written by Amy who was the prime person involved in administering CPR, along with other staff members.

Tim and Amy are happy for this blog post to be shared.

I'll include a link to her blog below. It's a powerful blog post and quite raw.

A traumatic experience for all involved * TRIGGER WARNINGS *

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A few of the people involved...

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[diamond.diva]

Wow , so pleased to hear that Tim is recovering well after such a frightening ordeal. How amazing that Amy & others were there & were able to administer the first aid required to keep Tim alive. Amy’s blog is enlightening & shows how brave she was. Well done Amy & the team , I really hope you continue to get the help you need to recover from the experience. Also wishing Tim all the best for the future. Take care Tim, wishing you a full recovery & look forward to seeing you at Hayden Rd when you’re fit and able.

[BartonRaz]

Brilliant to hear that Tim is on the mend. Really looking forward to seeing him at a forthcoming game.

I had a similar experience to Amy playing 5-a-side football in 2021, with one of my friends having a cardiac arrest requiring multiple shocks from a defibrillator and a lot of treatment on the pitch. I had literally done a full first aid course weeks prior, but everything went out the window when I saw it happening in person, I panicked and was virtually useless. I don't know if that was because I knew the person involved, and if I'd been calmer if it was a member of the general public.

It was like an outer body experience that wasn't registering with me at the time. Fortunately he lived to tell the tale.

It knocked me mentally for a good year and a half, I'd say. As a larger than average chap that plays football every week, it bothered me every time I played. Sleepless nights in the fortnight immediately after it too.

[Pete]

Shows how important knowing some first aid is. You don't need to be a pro, just someone to do the training and brave enough to do it when the time comes. Quick and calm thinking and recognising the signs saved Tim's life. Outstanding. Glad to hear Tim is recovering well.

[Dazzler]

Just some additional background info for our matchdays.

At the HR ground we have a community AED, that is registered with the Ambulance service for community access. It sits on the wall next to tunnel entry opposite clubhouse door. Bright Yellow Box.

"An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable device that can help save the life of someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest."

In the event of an incident in the area, any local medical services can be directed and given access by 999 service from their database if an AED is needed. They have the gate & keycodes registered.

This unit has been used twice in the last few years. It then gets returned (usually without chasing) by the local Paramedics.

Our onsite matchday medics have access too, with Rob and Ashley. Peter has recently retired but has done checks for me etc... and always audited our medical packs used by medic volunteers out of season for replenishments etc..

In addition the 1st Team always have the Orange AED donated by the JE3 foundation in memory of Justin Edinburgh. Jazmin the club Physio manages all use of that, along with Daisy and players specifically allocated to certain assistance roles for various medical scenarios, not just Cardiac incidents.

They are also in the radio network so can also assist the stadium medics as required.

Ambulance pitch access is via the top corner next to the food barn, so stewards would move you from that area if required.

An EAP - Emergency Action Plan summary document, prepared by Yazmin, is provided in the Away Changing Room for opposition physios - though generally of course the home physios will help as required. This just includes full address, and local hospital contact details etc..along with other guidance.

[mattparker]

Great news Tim. Looking forward to seeing you at the ground soon.