Two Cardiac Arrests. Two Lives Saved. One Defibrillator at Addington Golf Club
Two golfers survived cardiac arrests at Addington thanks to fast action and the Progetti Rescue Sam defibrillator.
Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. However, when they occur in places where people are not expecting them, the value of a reliable defibrillator for golf courses becomes strikingly clear. Addington Golf Club has experienced this first hand. Over the last few years, their team and visitors have faced two sudden cardiac arrests on the course. Both lives were saved with the same Progetti Rescue Sam defibrillator, supplied by Defib Supplies.
These stories demonstrate the power of quick action, strong teamwork and accessible lifesaving equipment.
The First Cardiac Arrest on the Sixth Hole
In early 2022, a golfer collapsed unexpectedly on the sixth hole. Bystanders responded almost immediately, recognising the seriousness of the situation. Among them was Matthew Hamm, the Food and Beverage Manager at Addington. Matthew located the club’s Progetti Rescue Sam and quickly brought it to the casualty.
Only one shock was needed. The device delivered precise and effective treatment within minutes, giving the golfer the best possible chance of survival before the emergency services arrived. Thanks to the prompt response and the reliability of the Rescue Sam, the golfer survived and recovered.
A Second Cardiac Arrest on the Fourth Green in July
This year, Addington faced a second cardiac arrest on the fourth green. Once again, the same Progetti Rescue Sam was carried out onto the course. The response team included Matthew Hamm, Charlie Edinburgh from the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation and Addington marshal John Shipley.
The device analysed the casualty and delivered two shocks. These shocks restarted the heart and supported the chain of survival until the ambulance crew arrived. The calm, confident and coordinated response from those present, combined with the performance of the defibrillator, saved another life on the course.
Read our article on this rescue.
A Full Circle Moment for Defib Supplies and the JE3 Foundation
This second rescue carries deeper meaning for everyone involved. Defib Supplies already supports the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation and works closely with Charlie Edinburgh on campaigns that help create heart safe sports settings. For Charlie to then use a Defib Supplies Progetti Rescue Sam AED during a real cardiac arrest and help save a life on the fourth green marks a significant and emotional full circle moment.
It is a powerful reminder that community partnerships between organisations, charities and local venues can create real change. The collaboration between Addington Golf Club, the JE3 Foundation and Defib Supplies directly contributed to another life being saved.
Ongoing Commitment and a New Donation for the Course
Following the second incident, Charlie Edinburgh wanted to strengthen the club’s preparedness even further. He generously donated an additional defibrillator, the iPAD SP1 defibrillator, to provide wider coverage across the course. This addition means staff and golfers now have even more immediate access to lifesaving equipment.
Replacement Pads Provided by Defib Supplies
Defib Supplies originally supplied Addington with the Progetti Rescue Sam that was used in both lifesaving situations. After each incident, we donated replacement pads to ensure the device remained fully stocked, in date and rescue ready. Additionally, we also donated the Progetti Chest-eR to support high-quality CPR if a tragic event of the same nature were to reoccur.
We continue to support the club by helping them maintain their equipment and offering guidance whenever needed. Stories like these highlight why our mission to increase community access to reliable defibrillators matters so much.
Additional Support for Charlie and the JE3 Foundation
Following the second rescue at Addington, Defib Supplies continued to support the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation and its ongoing mission to create heart safe sports settings. As part of this commitment, we donated several training resources to help Charlie Edinburgh expand community education and confidence around emergency response.
Charlie received a Brayden CPR training manikin, a Chest-eR training device and a Progetti Rescue Sam training defibrillator. These tools allow him to deliver more practical demonstrations, encourage hands on learning and strengthen awareness across sports clubs, community groups and training sessions. Each resource helps reinforce the importance of early CPR, rapid pad placement and prompt use of a defibrillator in real emergencies.
This donation reflects our shared goal of improving public understanding of sudden cardiac arrest and ensuring more people feel confident stepping forward when every second matters.
A Testament to Preparation and Teamwork
The events at Addington Golf Club show why public access defibrillators are essential in every community space. No one expects a cardiac arrest during a round of golf. Yet being prepared can make the difference between a tragic loss and a life saved.
Addington’s team acted without hesitation. Their training, their teamwork and the availability of a dependable defibrillator meant that two people were able to return home to their families.
Defib Supplies is proud to have played a part in these successful outcomes. We remain dedicated to supporting communities, golf clubs, sports venues and organisations across the UK in becoming heart safe.
If your organisation would like guidance on improving your defibrillator coverage or selecting the right device, our team is here to support you.