Oliver Winter has been hailed a hero after performing CPR on an opponent at a local football game. Source: Supplied
A YOUNG footballer has been hailed a hero for saving the life of an opposition player after a suspected heart attack.
Pembroke Old Scholars player Oliver Winter, 27, said he realised that Woodville South’s Chris Eastham was in grave danger when he saw his skin colour change during Saturday’s Division C3 match at Haslam Oval, Kensington Park.
“He was on his back, but when they rolled him over, it was obvious he was in trouble,” he said.
He performed CPR until paramedics arrived and rushed Mr Eastham to hospital.
“It was pretty full-on, but I’m just glad I was able to help.”
Mr Winter said he had completed a CPR refresher course just a month ago and he had also recently performed CPR on a work colleague.
Chris’ father, David Eastham, said he had no doubt that Mr Winter had saved his son’s life.
“He went blue three times and he was not breathing,” Mr Eastham said.
He said he had spoken to his son, who hoped to meet Mr Winter after he was discharged from hospital.
“He is still undergoing some tests and cannot remember the incident, but he is very grateful,”
The football game was called off minutes into the second quarter after Mr Eastham was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Mr Eastham had just been involved in an accidental collision and the two teams had huddled when his condition deteriorated suddenly.
He was is in a stable condition on Sunday night and undergoing tests to determine the cause of the incident.
Mr Winter said he hoped his story would encourage others to take CPR courses so people who found themselves in a life-or-death situation would know what to do.
“I was a lifesaver when I was younger and I just wanted to make sure I stayed up-to-date,” Mr Winter said.
“It gives you the confidence to react in a situation like that rather than panic and worry about hurting the person who needs your help.”
Woodville South Football president John Lawrence said Chris “Budgie” Eastham was one of the most liked players at the club.
“He does everything for the club and there is not a person who would say a bad word about him,” he said.
“He works as a truck driver in the Fleurieu (Peninsula) but still comes to training every week and makes the trip down to play for us.”
A collection tin was organised by Woodville South and the money raised was put over the bar at Kensington Hotel as a thank you to Pembroke players and supporters
