I can see the pros and cons of defibs in public places - where people are correctly trained to use them then they are invaluable and more effective the sooner they are used. The problem with having them easily accessible in public places is the risk someone without the training would try to help and as easy as they are to use they are still very dangerous if used incorrectly.

Personally I think more people trained in first aid probably has more benfits than having the defibs dotted around - a lot of time if someone goes into cardiac arrest it won't be somewhere a defib is available (people don't have them in their homes, they aren't available when walking down the street etc etc) I have been a first aider for 14 years and the only time I have had to do CPR in that time being defib trained would have been no use at all because I was in the middle of the street at the time. I know a lot more people who have had to do CPR in positions where a defib wasn't immediately available than have where the defib was available.

That said places such as Rugby Grounds and similar should (and in all honesty probably do) have defibs and operators available at all times.

Have you ever used a de-fib trainer ?

One of the main reasons they're dotted around town centres now is that they ARE easy to use even by a lay-person and in a case where it is not a heart attack the machine WILL NOT operate.

Whilst they are not the be-all and end-all of cardiac failure, the statistics will show that the chances of recovering from a heart attack after first aid is very low, this is offset by the relative small cost for a unit saving at least one life and thus, being worth it.

The recent first aid ethos says that if you're not breathing and you've no pluse / heartbeat, then you're 'brown bread'. Things cannot get any worse. However, if you do something and it is one of those rare occasions when it DOES make a difference, wouldn't you have rather had the satisfaction of using those easy to learn techniques there and then to make a difference ?

Indeed, not least the Safety In Sports Grounds regulations, but a whole plethora of other legislation.

Perhaps another organisation that should be taking an interest is the local authority department responsible for the issuing of said safety certificate.

Headingley is one of the largest still-standing stadiums in the country and I hold the opinion that when properly controlled, a standing stadium can still be a safe stadium. To acheive this, you've got to make 110% sure that part-time staff and casual workers are full up-to-speed with ALL health, safety and emergency proceedures and not just there for the paid day out watching the game.

Having said that, it is not just Leeds, given my comments / observations on the experience on a certain club to the East of here earlier in the season.

I assume during that session, you covered the evacuation proceedures for the stadium ?

We were sat a few rows away, not near enough to be aware of the severity of the situation.

Don't know what the protocols are for the stewards when seeking medical attention, but I assume they have to link with the head steward in some way - who I'd like to think, if it was pointed out someone was having chest pains, would phone 999 immediately and not delay by getting SJA involved.

Hope he makes a good recovery.

Has the OP or any previous posters reported their concerns to the club and if so have they had a response yet?

1) Scream
2) Run
3) Repeat as necessary

Oh yes ! That old chestnut ... IF IN CASE OF FIRE, RUN !

...and if it gets hotter – turn around and run the other way.

LMFAO!!
I'd of loved to of instructed you at the naval firefighting school mate

What do I do?

Hit turbo boost!!

I hope the individual is ok.

From the sounds of the OP if it really is true that an ambulance was not on premises then this is not allowed. It is in the Green guide that any event expecting more than 5000 an ambulance and paramedics should be in situe. Although bizarrely if an ambulance is required then another is called for the emergency, the one in situe is not used.

Also as for the St John's it is the way it goes at most grounds that the on site first aiders respond not the paramedics or doctor. We have doctors for the players and in the first aid room along with defibs. We also try to get anyone first aid within 5 minutes but this can sometimes take longer. and due to the uncertainty I make sure I get the nearest first aider rather than go through the protocol.

As for the stewards at ours they are given first aid training every year although this is basic and the advice given in any situation if you don't feel comfortable get someone else. But if you are then don't go beyond your limits and just make the person as comfortable as possible till help arrives and also reassure them.

I don't know what the headingly set up is as I've only ever been as an away supporter. But you have stewards that also work at Elland road as I used to work there and I knew quite a few when i visited on sunday and I certainly know that they are given first aid training! So I can only guess that the steward that dealt with this situation wasn't very experienced!