Gillingham heart attack rugby coach Graham Longstaff appeals to find saviour
Published: 07:41, 21 December 2012
A rugby official who suffered a heart attack on the sideline is desperate to thank the off-duty paramedic who may have saved his life.
Graham Longstaff, 58, a coach at Medway RFC, collapsed while running the line at the first team match with Aylesford Bulls on Saturday.
His son Robert, 24, who was on the subs bench, rushed to his father's aid while colleagues called for an ambulance.
Mr Longstaff was taken to the William Harvey Hospital, in Ashford, where he underwent emergency surgery at the specialist unit.
He was released on Tuesday and is now recovering with wife Lin, 54, at the family home in Darland, Gillingham.
Mr Longstaff said the drama in the second half of the game at Aylesford RFC ground in Hall Road came "like a bolt out of the blue".
Dad of-two Mr Longstaff said: "I would like to find out who the paramedic was. I believe she may have been watching her boyfriend who was playing for Aylesford."
See this week's Medway Messenger for the full story.
If you know who the off-duty paramedic is, call our newsdesk on 01634 227840 or email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk.
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