Quick-thinking volunteers and staff from the Canal & River Trust charity sprang into action to help save the life of a canal cyclist who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest near the historic Bingley Five Rise Locks in West Yorkshire.
The incident occurred on 2 May, when 61-year-old Bingley-born resident Joost Smeele collapsed on Beck Lane, near to the historic locks.
Canal & River Trust volunteers and staff were among the first on the scene, assisting with CPR and crowd control, after being alerted by two runners who had found the cyclist unconscious and called the emergency services. Volunteer lock keeper and trained first aider Richard Breese assisted with CPR, while Megan Darley, owner of Five Rise Locks Café, retrieved the automated external defibrillator (AED) by the teashop and helped use this on the cyclist before paramedics arrived.
Volunteer lock keeper Richard Breese explained: “We’d just returned from helping a boat down the locks when two guys sprinted down to get hold of the defibrillator outside the café and asked if anyone could do CPR. I just dropped everything and rushed to help. This was the first time I’d done CPR for real, I went into auto-pilot mode, I just got on with it. I’ve seen Joost a couple of times since, it’s fantastic to see him back out enjoying the canal, he’s making an amazing recovery.”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service arrived on scene within minutes and took over advanced medical care, stabilising the cyclist who suffered a further two heart attacks while travelling to Bradford Royal Infirmary, before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.
Joost Smeele explained: “I’ve always been fit and healthy and never considered myself at risk of cardiac arrest. I have no recollection of the incident, but when my heart stopped, I had limited time before that became permanent. The prompt action from bystanders is what saved me. Every one of us should be confident to perform CPR and use a defibrillator if required. Now I have been introduced to the people who saved me, I have a second shot at life… and a whole new group of friends!”
Sean McGinley, regional director Yorkshire & North East from Canal & River Trust said: “This could have had a very different outcome if it weren’t for the swift action of those involved. The courage, calmness under pressure, and knowledge of lifesaving techniques is likely to have made all the difference.
“Normally helping boats through the locks and maintaining the magnificent canal network, this incident also highlights our volunteers as a helpful point of contact for the local community and to assist with public safety along the nation’s waterways. We’d love to hear from anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with us.”
In November 2019 a defibrillator was installed at the Five Rise Locks Café thanks to support from the Canal & River Trust and funding from Mark Province of West Yorkshire.
Megan Darley, who recently became the new owner of Five Rise Locks Café, after working at the waterside hotspot for the last ten years, added: “I’m just so glad I could help – it’s something I’ll never forget and shows how important it is to have access to this life saving equipment.”
The incident at Bingley happened just ahead of Volunteer Week which recognises the incredible work of volunteers across the UK. The celebratory week runs from 2-8 June. For details of how to get involved in volunteering by your local canal visit the Canal & River Trust website – canalrivertrust.org.uk
PICTURE: L-R: Phillippa Gibbons, Canal & River Trust Volunteer Lock Keeper; Megan Darley, Bingley Five Rise Locks Cafe; Seth Anderton, Canal & River Trust Seasonal Lock Keeper; Joost Smeele;Stephen Pierce, Canal & River Trust Volunteer Lock Keeper (wearing life jacket) and Richard Breese, Canal & River Trust Volunteer Lock Keeper.
