Heroes hailed after referee collapses during Ross-shire Caberfeidh v Kinlochshiel shinty clash
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SHINTY players taking to the field for a Ross-shire cup tie derby turned life-saving heroes within minutes of the clash when the match referee collapsed.
Caberfeidh and Kinlochshiel had lined up for the MacTavish Cup clash at Castle Leod on Saturday afternoon when the drama unfolded.
Referee Steven MacLachlan, who lives in the Muir of Ord area but is originally from Ballachullish, took unwell about 13 minutes into the game which had started in front of a 200-plus crowd at 3pm.
The medical emergency triggered an instant response from players and coaching staff and from a number of players well-drilled in what to do in such circumstances.
And happily for all concerned, the Strathpeffer club has had a defibrillator installed at its club premises since 2019 - and it proved vital during yesterday’s drama.
Defibrillator a potential life-saver at Ross-shire shinty club
More from Ross-shire Journal on defibrillators
Kinlochshiel captain Conor Cormack, who is a local firefighter, was amongst those on the scene who stepped into action, taking charge and leading the first aid prior to the ambulance back-up arriving.
Caberfeidh president Ian MacLean said he understood the defibrillator had been used successfully to revive Mr MacLachlan. Mr Cormack’s team mate, Keith MacRae, was also able to help administer first aid before medical back-up arrived.
Mr MacLean said: “They really are heroes. It was a group effort. It was great to see the defibrillator put to use. The charity which installed it, Lucky2BHere, is an amazing group and was set up by a shinty player, Ross Cowie. The majority of shinty clubs I think now have them and this was the first time ours was used.”
The air ambulance landed on the pitch a short time later followed by a responder unit. Mr MacLachlan was then taken to Raigmore Hospital by road for further treatment.
Defibrillators are devices that apply an electric charge or current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. If the heart rhythm stops due to cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a defibrillator may help it start beating again.
Mr MacLean said: “Ten years ago this might have been a tragedy and now it is something of a triumph. The defibrillators sit on a wall flashing away and largely unnoticed for much of the time. And then in a situation like this it is a life-saver.”
He said training and awareness are key and it was fortunate in this instance that a firefighter familiar with what to do was on scene. Coincidentally, it’s understood that Mr MacLachlan, believed to be in his 50s, is also part of the fire and rescue service.
Mr MacLean said everyone attending was respectful and followed instructions to keep entries and exits clear for arriving ambulance teams.
A local minister Alec Stewart, who lives in Maryburgh and acts as a chaplain to the club on a personal basis, was on hand to speak to anyone affected by the traumatic incident. He will again be available at Castle Leod on Monday evening, it’s understood. Mr MacLean said players range in age from sixteen to mid-thirties and for many it would have been their first experience of such an incident.
Caberfeidh intend donating their share of the gate to the Lucky2BHere charity as a token of appreciation. The club also supports mental health charity, Mikeysline.
Initial plans are for the fixture to be replayed at Castle Leod this coming Saturday.
