A cardiac arrest victim whose life was saved by staff using a defibrillator when he collapsed outside Westminster Lodge leisure centre in St Albans has called in to thank them for what they did.

As the Herts Advertiser revealed last month, Dr Hans Petri, a member of St Albans Striders, suffered a heart attack after training outside the leisure centre on Tuesday, October 13.

He has now made a full recovery and wanted to thank staff at Westminster Lodge for their life-saving actions.

It was assistant manager Jamie Vine and team leader Rob Watson who grabbed a defibrillator and rushed to Dr Petri’s aid when he collapsed. They followed first aid procedure and performed full CPR.

Dr Petri said: “I can’t thank these two men enough for their help, I’m only alive today because of their quick reactions. I’ve never had heart issues and I run regularly with my club; this can happen to anybody.

“As a doctor of medicine I understand how important it is for everyone to understand first aid; if it wasn’t for the staff being properly trained I may not be here today.”

Lesley Garner, Everyone Active general manager. pointed out that the incident highlighted two issues - the importance of understanding first aid and the benefits of running as part of a group.

She added: “Our staff receive ongoing monthly first aid training as part of their role at the centre and we are very proud of them and pleased that Dr Petri has made a full recovery.”