The importance of having defibrillators on construction sites and in workplaces has been brought into sharp focus following a life-saving incident involving a McCoy machine operator, who was working at the HMP Brinsford project site.

Longstanding McCoy machine operator Chris Bird suffered a cardiac arrest last November while working on site. Thanks to the quick-thinking of Chris’s lifelong friend Colin, who performed CPR along with Wates Construction Site Managers who administered the on-site defibrillator, Chris’s life was saved. The team’s preparedness and rapid response proved to be the difference between life and death.

According to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), sudden cardiac arrests are one of the top causes of death in the UK. Without timely intervention of CPR and defibrillation the chance of survival is less than 3%. However, if action is taken within five minutes the survival rate increases to as much as 70%.

“Through CPR and the use of the defibrillator, Chris was essentially brought back to life by the team on site,” said Chris Haughey, Managing Director of McCoy Contractors. “We are incredibly relieved and grateful that he has made a full recovery. Chris is returning back to work in February to continue his normal duties.

This life-saving event has spurred McCoy to enhance their safety measures by ensuring an automated external defibrillator (AED) is readily available at their Head Office in Knowle, Solihull. The incident has also become a catalyst for raising awareness about the critical role defibrillators play in workplace safety.

Commenting on his life changing experience, Chris Bird said: “I am a mentally and physically fit 46-year-old, and like every other day for the past 30 years, I went to work one morning, not expecting that I would suffer a cardiac arrest that would change my life forever. There were no major warning signs, only some slight heartburn the evening before. It’s a stark reminder that this can happen to anyone, at any time. It was a huge shock to everyone, especially my family and the colleagues on site with me.

“I firmly believe that having defibrillators on construction sites across the country could save countless lives in a critical situation. Without the quick thinking of Colin, the staff at Wates, and immediate access to a defibrillator, I wouldn’t be here today. I died for 16 minutes on site, far from my family, and if it wasn’t for the defibrillator, the outcome would have been entirely different. I’ll be forever grateful to everyone who was there that day.”

Chris Bird’s recovery is a testament to value of on-hand defibrillators and the importance of proper CPR training for staff. His story is now being shared to underline the message that lives can be saved when the right tools, training and knowledge are available.

The physical demands and multiple risk factors of construction sites put workers at a higher risk of experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), which is why quick access to medical equipment like defibrillators can mean the difference between life and death. By installing defibrillators and offering training on their use, companies can ensure they are equipped to respond to emergencies effectively.

“Safety has always been a top priority for us, but this event has highlighted just how vital it is to have defibrillators available and staff trained to use them,” added Chris Haughey.

Chris Bird’s story serves as a powerful reminder to all businesses, regardless of the industry: investing in life-saving equipment and training is not just a precaution, it’s a responsibility.