Runner thanks first aiders
A Portsmouth marathon runner has praised St
John Ambulance volunteers for potentially saving his life.
First aiders to the rescue of Marathon Runner
Bob Maguire, 58, had abandoned the 20-mile Meon Valley Plod
after just 400 metres when first aiders overheard him complaining
that he felt uncomfortable and his arms ached.
Within minutes, volunteers Graham Smith and
Andy Mootham were monitoring his heart on an ECG
(electrocardiogram), had given him an aspirin to chew and had
called the NHS paramedics.
Four days later, Mr Maguire, a specialist
technician at the University of Portsmouth, had angioplasty at the
Queen Alexandra Hospital, QA, to open up a blocked artery.
I was very lucky. I was in the right place at the right time. I owe a lot to St John Ambulance
Bob Maguire
a member of Portsmouth Joggers
He said: ‘I was very lucky. I was in the
right place at the right time. I owe a lot to St John
Ambulance.’
Graham Smith, who is Commissioner of
Operations for St John Ambulance Hampshire and treated Mr Maguire,
said: ‘I overheard a chance remark as Mr Maguire spoke to another
runner. We were concerned about him and I’m really pleased to hear
there was such a good outcome.’
Mr Maguire, a member of Portsmouth Joggers,
has run 80 marathons and is hoping to complete another on the Isle
of Wight in May.
Doctors advised him to stop running for month but he is looking
forward to pounding the streets again in a week’s time.