Grateful Gallacher launches new defibrillator campaign

Former Ryder Cup captain shows support for device that saved his life

AFTER suffering a sudden cardiac arrest last August, former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher has launched a campaign to help save the lives of thousands of his fellow golfers.

Gallacher collapsed at a public engagement in Aberdeen and, subsequently, spent a week in intensive care. His survival was largely attributed to the availability of an automated external defibrillator, as well as the early-response CPR treatment he received on the scene.

RECOVERY

After taking huge steps on his road to recovery, Gallacher, along with his wife Lesley, has announced plans to lead a campaign for automated external defibrillators to be available in every golf club and driving range in the country.

“I consider myself incredibly fortunate that a defibrillator was on-hand in Aberdeen to resuscitate me following my sudden cardiac arrest,” said Gallacher. “But for that, and the quick-thinking, expertise and life-saving skills of the medical personnel in the room that night, I wouldn’t be here.

“Without early intervention, an individual has just a 5% chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest, so Lesley and I felt it appropriate to try to ensure others are equally fortunate if they collapse in or around a golfing venue.”

The Gallachers are the driving forces behind a fundraising campaign being run with the PGA and Arrhythmia Alliance, which it is hoped will benefit an estimated 2,600 golfing venues and around four million club golfers around the country.

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