A practical first aid session, organised by Chesterfield FC Community Trust, was delivered recently by CSALS for walking footballers from Chesterfield Senior Spireites FC.

The session was arranged after walking footballer Rob Church saved the life of a team-mate after refreshing his life-saving skills by doing CSALS’ online Prepared to Save a Life course only weeks before the incident.

Mel Pullen had been unconscious for more than 11 minutes after collapsing during a game against former Chesterfield players and Rob performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Around 20 walking footballers took part in the first aid training session, which was delivered by CSALS’ lead trainer John Hutchinson in the HUB at the SMH Group Stadium.

The feedback received afterwards was very positive, including the following quotes from attendees:

“Absolutely fantastic. Everybody should be able to go on a course like this so that everybody can save a life.”

“It just gives you the confidence to act if you do come across a situation like that. I feel a lot better now than I did when we walked in. I feel more capable of doing something.”

“It was years ago that I did a similar course so it’s a really good refresher.”

“I thought it was an excellent course. Very worthwhile and very informative.”

“I’m really glad I’ve attended and I do feel more confident now about providing that first aid and also using a defibrillator.”

Keith Jackson, Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s deputy chief operating officer, said: “We were pleased to be able to host the session, which was very well received.

“Our thanks to John and CSALS for delivering the training. We look forward to working with CSALS again in the future.”

Debra Johnson, CSALS’ community facilitator, added: “It is heart-warming to learn that Rob saved Mel’s life after doing our course to refresh his first aid knowledge, something we urge people to do.

“It was great to be able to deliver a practical session with the help of Chesterfield FC Community Trust and we were delighted with how it went, endorsed by the comments received from those who took part.”

The Prepared to Save a Life course is provided by CSALS in partnership with Virtual College by Netex. It only takes around an hour to do and a downloadable certificate is provided once it has been completed.

The course is available here: www.virtual-college.co.uk/prepared

Listen to the feedback received from attendees by clicking on the ‘play’ button below: