Cambridge: Rugby Player Recovering

10 April 2012, 17:31 | Updated: 10 April 2012, 17:36

A rugby player who had a cardiac arrest on a pitch in Cambridge is recovering in hospital.

Paramedics have confirmed the man, believed to be in his 30s, is now sitting up in hospital and talking.

Emergency services were called to Great Shelford Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon.

The player had collapsed during a game between Great Shelford and Ely.

Members of both rugby clubs were able to carry out CPR by being guided by a call handler at the East of England Ambulance Service.

Paramedics then took over the resuscitation efforts and were able to restart the man's heart.

The man was then taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and on to Papworth Hospital for specialist cardiac care.

Terry Hicks, East of England Ambulance Service Trust Assistant General Manager, said: "Crews worked together to do an absolutely fantastic job in saving this man's life but instrumental to that was the call handler who advised on CPR over the phone and the club members who carried out that vital procedure.

I'd like to thank both clubs for their efforts and also wish the patient a full recovery. 

We are all extremely pleased to hear he is doing so well so far."