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Pablo Martinez was said to be in a stable condition following Saturday's incident - Credit: Chippenham Town FC
Chippenham Town chairman Neil Blackmore believes the actions of paramedics during the club’s clash with Chelmsford City saved the life of Pablo Martinez.
The National League South clash between Chippenham and Chelmsford was interrupted on Saturday afternoon after Martinez was taken ill 27 minutes in.
With the help of on-the-scene paramedics, Martinez was resuscitated, having initially been non-responsive.
Martinez was transferred to a hospital in Bristol, where he was said to be in a stable condition, with the match abandoned and a new date set to be announced.
In an interview with BBC Wiltshire, Chippenham chairman Blackmore hailed the actions of the medical staff as the reason Martinez is still alive.
“He was given CPR and was also shocked with a defibrillator. Luckily, he came back straightaway," Blackmore told the BBC.
“Whilst we don't know exactly what's gone on, and he's got lots more tests to have, for a few seconds he did die on the pitch.”
Part of the reason behind Martinez’s resuscitation has been placed on the use of a defibrillator, and Blackmore has urged all sports clubs to have access to one.
"If it had to happen, I'm just glad it happened here - with all our medical staff there and people to attend to him and bring him back around.
"I would say to anybody - and not just sports clubs - that if you don't have a defibrillator or have access to one, please get one. Do some fundraising, get a sponsor, but get one.
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"It sits in the cupboard apart from when it's being serviced, so you don't think about it. But the day you need it, my goodness is it worth the money."
As a result of Saturday’s incident, Chippenham’s clash with fellow National League South outfit Oxford City, originally scheduled for Tuesday evening, has been postponed.
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