Campus staff praised for saving man’s life

Staff at Melksham Community Campus have been praised for saving a man’s life after he collapsed at the centre.

The man was in the centre’s sports hall playing pickleball in September when he collapsed, with other players quickly alerting staff to the emergency.

Duty manager Abi Dempsey was first on the scene, supported by colleagues Corrina and Tom. They quickly established that the man was not breathing and administered CPR, using a defibrillator to resuscitate him.

Their coordinated efforts, alongside support from other team members and emergency services, ensured he received life-saving care before being transferred to the Royal United Hospital in Bath by ambulance.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services, Cllr Mel Jacob, said, “I am incredibly proud of Abi, Corrina and Tom, and the whole team at Melksham Community Campus, for their swift and professional response. Their calm actions in a highly stressful situation made a vital difference and helped to save a life.

“It’s reassuring to know the gentleman is now recovering well and we wish him all the best for a fast and full recovery. This incident highlights just how crucial it is for our leisure staff to be trained in first aid and for defibrillators to be available in public buildings. They can help to save lives in critical situations.”

All activities in the sports hall and swimming pool were cancelled for the remainder of the evening, while gym users were safely escorted from the building. Staff remained on site to support customers and ensure the centre was secure and ready to reopen the following day.

Wiltshire Council chief executive Lucy Townsend said, “I would like to thank our team, the emergency services and everyone involved for their professionalism and compassion during this incident.

“I’m glad to hear that the gentleman is recovering well and we very much hope to welcome him back into Melksham Campus as soon as he is able to return.”