Man shares footage of cardiac arrest in bid to encourage others to learn CPR

A man who survived a sudden “no-warning” cardiac arrest is urging members of the public to learn how to do CPR as he shared dramatic footage of the incident.

Gordan Flood, a 48-year-old football coach who had run marathons, suddenly collapsed in a car park after a gym session two years ago.

The father of three says he does not remember what happened next but CCTV footage shows passers-by and a voluntary first responder rushing to his assistance.

Mr Flood said he was given a “second chance” after being given shocks from his gym’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and CPR.

He is now urging members of the public to learn CPR – cardiopulmonary resuscitation – as part of The Irish Heart Foundation’s Restart a Heart Day.

Mr Flood, from Trim, Co Meath, said: “I don’t remember feeling anything wrong. There was no chest pain, no warning, no dramatic moment where I clutched my heart like they do in films.”

An Post worker Nicola Fanning, who is also a member of Trim Community First Responders, got an alert on her phone while shopping in a nearby supermarket.

She rushed off to the emergency and said gym members had already used the AED and started compressions when she took over.

Ms Fanning said: “For me, it was the chain of survival, involving the speed of response, the beginning of CPR and using the AED, that made the difference, for him to get back to his wife and his three boys, it’s so important.”

Mr Flood, who now wears an implant after being diagnosed with a rare inflammatory disease affecting the heart muscle, said: “I got a second chance, and I’d ask people to please, take the time to learn CPR. It only takes a few minutes, but it could be the difference between life and death.”

He described those who helped him as “heroes” and said their actions now mean he can see his children grow up.

Mr Flood has completed training and organised courses for 50 coaches and assistant coaches at Trim Celtic AFC.

The Irish Heart Foundation said CPR was attempted in more than 2,700 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests last year.

Brigid Sinnott, resuscitation manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, said: “If you have been taught CPR, you are ten times more likely to respond appropriately in an emergency. We urge every community to establish a first responder group, this ensures that the chain of survival is strong across all communities in Ireland.”

– Information on CPR is available at irishheart.ie/what-is-cpr