Heart charity says Lockyer cardiac arrest shows why people should learn to save lives

Tom Lockyer
Tom Lockyer. Photo by Liam Smith

The British Heart Foundation has said that Luton captain Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest during the Premier League game at Bournemouth is a reminder of why it’s so important that people learn how to save lives.

The quick reaction of Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing and then the medical staff from both clubs contributed to the defender being alert and responsive as he was stretchered off the pitch at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Lockyer was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition as tests are carried out. Immediately after the major incident, Luton released a statement to say that their leader had suffered a cardiac arrest, just seven months after collapsing at Wembley due to an atrial fibrilation of the heart.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has added their voice to the tributes and well-wishes which have poured in Lockyer, while informing people how to administer CPR and use a defibrillator to help save lives.

In a post on social media, BHF wrote: ‘We’re sending our thoughts and best wishes to @LutonTown footballer Tom Lockyer and his family after his cardiac arrest at the weekend.

‘It was a heart-wrenching reminder that CPR and using a defibrillator can save lives, and why it’s so important everyone learns how to do it.’

You can find all of the charity’s guidance and advice at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life

On Sunday, a statement from the Hatters called for the privacy of Lockyer and his family to be respected, saying: ‘While our captain Tom Lockyer remains in hospital following the cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch at Bournemouth yesterday, we understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition.

‘Tom is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results before the next steps for his recovery are determined.

‘We are unable to provide a running commentary on his situation, and request that all media please wait for any updates to be released via the club’s official channels when the time is right.

‘We all want the very best for Tom, his partner and the whole Lockyer family, and politely ask that his and their privacy is respected at this difficult time.’