Local campaign advocates for defibrillators at sports venues after cardiac arrest incident

Following a critical incident on a Bracknell football field where Doug King suffered a cardiac arrest, his son Harri has initiated a campaign for mandatory defibrillators at all local sports facilities. The quick response from fellow players and spectators, who provided CPR and utilised a nearby defibrillator, was crucial in saving Doug’s life, a fact underscored by Harri.

Teammate Jack Davies rallied the community, raising £2,500 to procure defibrillators for two additional local sports fields. The emergency occurred during a Sunday league game, with Doug collapsing without a pulse. A united front by the players, referee, substitutes, and the crowd ensured that emergency procedures were enacted promptly, with a defibrillator being brought to the scene from less than 300 meters away.

The British Heart Foundation has reported that survival rates from cardiac arrests outside hospital settings are below 10%. Immediate CPR, followed by defibrillation within five minutes, can significantly increase the chances of survival, potentially up to 70%.

Doug is now recovering at home and is making steady progress towards full health. He was initially taken to the hospital by air ambulance, following his collapse.

The collected funds are earmarked for the installation of defibrillators near the Ringmead and Wildridings sports fields. There is also potential for further expansion to support private football clubs if additional funding from Bracknell Forest Council is secured.

Harri King’s campaign is focused not just on his father’s incident but on providing equal access to life-saving equipment for all who enjoy local sports, aiming to ensure that what happened to his father can be averted for others.