A 53-year-old Belgian athlete experienced a sudden cardiorespiratory arrest on the athletics track at the Fernando Ruiz Hierro sports centre in Velez-Malaga. This incident occurred around midday on Thursday, May 21. Regular users know the man as an experienced Ironman competitor who frequently trained at the facility. Quick reactions from those present prevented a tragic outcome in what could have ended very differently.

The firefighter leads the first life-saving measures

Fortune played a role when a local firefighter happened to be training in the same venue at that exact time. Upon seeing the runner fall, this professional immediately alerted a sports technician and caretaker before beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres on the track surface.

Staff followed emergency procedures without delay. One caretaker contacted two office colleagues to retrieve the external semi-automatic defibrillator from the reception area while dialling the 112 emergency services.

Team effort brings athletes back to life

Within seconds an improvised group of around seven people formed around the victim. This included three users, two monitors and two caretakers on duty. Some shielded him from direct sunlight. Others continued chest compressions. Office staff arrived rapidly with the defibrillator and made sure all access gates remained fully open for emergency vehicles. Application of the device during the second resuscitation cycle restored the man’s vital signs precisely as medical teams entered the premises.

Ambulance response and hospital transfer

Emergency services from 061 reached the location in just three or four minutes due to excellent coordination on site. Local police units also attended the scene promptly. Paramedics conducted an electrocardiogram and other checks before rushing the athlete to hospital for further treatment.

List of publicly available defibrillators (AEDs) in the Velez-Malaga area

Doctors later confirmed that it was precisely the rapid actions by workers and bystanders saved his life, noting that seconds prove decisive in such cardiac events.

Staff training receives strong praise after incident

Witnesses and centre personnel admitted feeling shaken by the close call yet expressed pride in their effective response. Many voices from the sports centre now stress the essential role of all sports centre caretakers and employees. Often subject to public scrutiny, these workers demonstrated the value of their first aid preparation and calm approach in this critical situation. Their preparedness turned a potential disaster into a successful rescue at the Velez-Malaga venue.

Community efforts in Mijas continue to strengthen emergency response capabilities through the Save A Life initiative. Gerry Hannam confirmed the placement of their 12th publicly available AED defibrillator at Restaurant El Golf in Mijas on Wednesday, May 20. Direct support from the campaign covered extra costs, while last week’s fundraiser event at the restaurant delivered all important funds for the project.

Fundraiser at El Golf delivers strong results from community

Event planners at Restaurant El Golf achieved a total of €1,592 in proceeds. The AEDs, which are shipped in all the way from Motril, cost in the region of €2,000. Tickets sold out several weeks earlier for the afternoon occasion. Delicious food pleased every guest while attentive staff made sure of smooth service throughout. Musical acts featured Harvey James, Beni Nelmes and the Andy King Elvis tribute show. Guests danced and sang with energy from start to finish. Raffle prizes donated by local residents reflected broad community backing for the cause. Of course, artists donated their time and talents completely free of charge.

Waterproof cabinet added for outdoor location

The club selected a position that demands full weather protection. Save A Life, therefore, provided an extra €500 to equip the defibrillator with a strong waterproof cabinet. This adjustment guarantees reliable operation in all conditions and maintains the unit’s readiness for immediate use.

New device betters safety at popular site

Installation at Restaurant El Golf took place thanks to the recent fundraiser proceeds and campaign funds. The addition brings public access to life-saving equipment closer to busy dining areas in Mijas. Rapid intervention during cardiac emergencies can improve survival chances dramatically when equipment sits within easy reach.

Campaign leaders thank generous supporters

Hannam expressed warm appreciation to everyone who attended or contributed. ‘Collective generosity and commitment drive real progress for local safety,’ he stated. Residents and businesses in Mijas join forces through such events to protect neighbours, visitors and diners. Further installations remain planned as the initiative gathers pace across the area.

Save A Life charity has delivered another automatic external defibrillator (AED) to a busy location on the Carretera de Mijas.

This latest unit now stands ready at the entrance of Yorkshire Linen Beds & More. Local residents and shoppers can rest easier and in emergencies gain quick access to vital equipment if cardiac emergencies occures.

Community fundraiser success behind progress

Yorkshire Linen hosted a popular charity market on May 2. Crowds browsed stalls offering crafts, jewellery, honey and second-hand goods in the car park behind the store. Organisers raised substantial sums through raffles and sales. Steph from Yorkshire Linen reported €850 from the raffle and the market plus around the same was donated from S.A.L’s own fundraising. At the installing of the AED on Friday, May 15, Steph said that it was time they got one, and that the whole team would receive a training course from S.A.L in the coming days on CPR and AED use.

Funds from the market contributed directly to purchasing and installing the new AED. Gerry and Jenny Hannam, founders of Save A Life, expressed gratitude for the strong community turnout and Steph’s forward thinking. Their initiative has now placed multiple devices across Mijas, Fuengirola and nearby areas. The Hannam family was at the unveiling with the Yorkshire Linen team and Euro Weekly News’ own resident medical columnist Dr Marcus Stephan to celebrate this the eleventh AED installed in the area. The twelfth is already lined up for Mijas Golf in the coming days.

Why public AEDs matter

Cardiac arrest strikes without warning. Survival rates drop by about 10 per cent with every minute that passes without defibrillation. Locations like retail outlets see high footfall, so placing equipment there maximises response potential. Save A Life also runs CPR and first aid training sessions to equip people with essential skills.

Yorkshire Linen’s support demonstrates how businesses can play an active role in community safety. Shoppers at the store and passers-by can benefit from far better protection on this busy stretch of road.

Wider impact on the Costa del Sol

This installation adds to a rapidly growing network of publicly accessible defibrillators. Save A Life has reached double figures in units provided so far. Recent placements include locations in Calahonda and Benalmadena.

Community members continue to back the cause through fundraising markets, lunches, galas and donations.