An instinctive gesture, the prompt intervention and the collaboration of several people who, together, helped save a life. On Saturday afternoon, before the home league match, the Municipality of Sanluri, the ASD Seddori football club, and the sports facilities manager awarded coach Roberto Mennella , who on September 2nd helped a man suffering from cardiac arrest on the running track at Campu Nou.
Mennella was training with his team when, drawn by the screams, he noticed a man lying on the ground nearby. Without hesitation, he rushed over and began CPR, while the Seddori staff called 911 and worked to retrieve the defibrillator the coach had used before the ambulance arrived.
In awarding him the award, Mayor Alberto Urpi emphasized the value of Roberto Mennella's altruism and prompt response: "We express our deep gratitude to Roberto Mennella, who has shown an example of courage and civic duty. This episode reminds us how crucial the preparedness of those on the scene and the presence of life-saving equipment can be. For ten years, the Municipality has been pursuing a project to equip strategic locations with defibrillators, because prompt intervention can make a difference."
During the award ceremony, Roberto Mennella recounted those moments, emphasizing how the decision to intervene was immediate and how the rescue was the result of teamwork. "At that moment, I didn't think about anything; I immediately began the maneuvers," Roberto Mennella said, emphasizing how it was a true team effort where everyone played their part. Alongside his fundamental promptness, it was emphasized, the cooperation of those present, the availability of the defibrillator, and the arrival of paramedics were equally important.
Also present at the awards ceremony was Gianni Vacca , the man rescued, who, as was his custom, had gone for a run on the track on the evening of September 2nd. He doesn't remember anything about those moments, but expressed deep gratitude.
Councilor for Sport Carlo Murru emphasized the importance of training so that citizens know how to behave in emergency situations. "Having a defibrillator available is essential, but it's equally important to have people trained to use it and intervene correctly. This is why the administration invests every two years in BLSD training for citizens to increase their ability to respond in the event of a cardiac arrest."
Just last spring, thanks to courses funded by the Municipality, 80 people were trained, including representatives of sports and cultural associations, individual citizens, and municipal employees. Sanluri currently has nine defibrillators located throughout the municipality, with two more planned to be added as soon as possible.
(Unioneonline/AD)