A QUICK-thinking gym trainer helped keep a man alive after he collapsed during a workout.

Dave Hodgson, 33, of Burton-in-Kendal, immediately stepped in and performed CPR until the emergency services - including an air ambulance - arrived.

The 60-year-old man, who has not been named, suddenly became ill while working out at the Pure Leisure gym at South Lakeland Leisure Village, at Borwick, in north Lancashire.

The personal trainer, who has worked at South Lakeland Leisure Village for 11 years, has been praised for his quick thinking.

Director of corporate affairs at the South Lakeland Leisure Village Trevor White said: “Dave was instrumental in saving that man’s life. He did what he felt he needed to do. Along with other members of staff he did an excellent job on the day."

Mr White explained how Mr Hodgson had used a defibrillator which the organisation had installed in 2017.

In that same year the company also donated three machines to schools in the area including, Over Kellet Wilson’s Endowed Church of England Primary School, Nether Kellet Community Primary School and Christ Church Primary School in Carnforth.

When paramedics arrived on New Year’s Eve they commended Mr Hodgson and the members of staff.

“Anyone willing to take action to help someone in a life-threatening emergency should be commended,” said a North West Ambulance Service spokesperson.

“In the event of a cardiac arrest, there are only a vital few minutes in which there’s a chance to save a patient’s life as every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces chances of survival by up to 10 per cent.

“This is why it is so important for people in the community to learn simple life-saving skills. Starting CPR as soon as possible and using a defibrillator where available can dramatically improve a patient’s chance of survival.

“People should remember they cannot make someone in cardiac arrest any worse and they shouldn’t be afraid to start CPR if they need to.”

“The more life-saving defibrillators that are accessible to the public and registered with the ambulance service, the better as our emergency medical dispatchers can supply information on their whereabouts and how to access them when needed.”

Mr Hodgson said he was just pleased he was able to help.

"I realised it was a serious matter but I'm just happy that we were able to help the gentleman and we wish the gym member a speedy recovery."