A man in his 60s who had a heart attack while working out at the gym was saved by the quick actions of staff. 

The man suffered a cardiac arrest in the UEA Sportspark’s Fitness Centre at 7.30am yesterday.

Gym staff quickly sprang into action and were able to save his life by performing CPR and using a defibrillator.

A spokesperson at East Anglian Air Ambulance said he was then taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital by land ambulance for further treatment.

Norwich Evening News: Ben Price, head of sports operations at SportsparkBen Price, head of sports operations at Sportspark (Image: Denise Bradley)Ben Price, head of sports operations at Sportspark, said: “I would like to praise the swift and decisive actions of all staff on duty at the time, without which yesterday’s incident would have been much worse.

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"The team quickly identified that there was a problem and acted promptly to recognise his symptoms, call an ambulance, perform CPR, administer the defibrillator and provide aftercare until the medical services arrived.

"We qualify a large number of our team in order to be able to provide effective CPR and the use of defibrillator and all of our employees are also trained in how to respond to help manage such an emergency.

"To have the calmness and presence of mind to deal with them when they happen is hugely commendable, and the man’s family have contacted us to pass on their thanks.”

The family of the man saved have said he will be returning to the Sportspark to thank staff personally at a later date.

This latest incident comes two months after an inquiry into the death of Dominic Hopkins which found a "flawed" system was in use after the swimmer had an epileptic fit in the water. UEA Sportspark were found at the independent inquest not to be at fault for the incident.