Shinty captain highlights 'crucial' defibs after saving referee's life

A Highland firefighter is highlighting the importance of defibrillators in rural areas, after using one to save a referee's life during a shinty match.

Steven MacLachlan had a cardiac arrest around 13 minutes into Saturday's MacTavish Cup tie between Caberfeidh and Kinlochshiel in Strathpeffer.

Shiel captain Conor Cormack sprung into action and used the life saving kit on Steven.

By the time paramedics arrived, Steven regained consciousness and was speaking to those around him.

Conor, who lives in Inverness, feels this shows how important defibs are in rural areas.

'I can't imagine what might have happened if we didn't have defib'

The game at Castle Leod was abandoned after Steven became unwell.

Luckily, a defibrillator was located from the nearby clubhouse and was deployed twice on Steven.

Conor explains how there could have been a very different outcome, if he couldn't have accessed a defibrillator.

He said: "I can't imagine what might have happened if we didn't have that there.

"It's so crucial to have that available in these situations.

"He eventually came round and regained consciousness.

"By the time the paramedics arrived, Steve was actually talking to us again which was amazing.

"We know these situations don't always turn out how you want them to, but I've been able to speak to Steve since it happened and he's doing really well now.

"I'm just really relieved at how it has turned out.

"Having these defibs in as many different community buildings, sports clubs and getting people trained so that they're confident in using them is really what will make the difference."

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