A 66-year-old competitor is tonight in hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack on the opening day of the George Bass Marathon at Moruya on the NSW Far South Coast.
The man had just completed his portion of the race at around 1:20pm on Sunday when he collapsed on the beach.
Members of the event’s first aid committee, fellow competitors and patrolling lifesavers all rushed to his aid.
All of those involved with this initial treatment are surf lifesavers with CPR beginning within moments of the incident unfolding.
A defibrillator was applied and the man was later rushed to hospital in a serious condition.
Far South Coast Director of Lifesaving Andy Edmonds praised the quick response and professionalism of all those involved in what were very trying circumstances.
“I would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort and compassion shown by the event’s safety officers, the lifesavers, and of course all competitors who were concerned about the man’s welfare.
“This was obviously a very distressing situation but the intervention of the first responders has helped give the man the best possible of chance and our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and teammates,” said Mr Edmonds.
“We are all hoping for a positive outcome during this difficult time.”
A critical debrief session has been organised for all those involved in the incident with member welfare remaining a significant priority.
Sunday 31 December 2017