Teenage cricketers’ calm actions save teammate’s life

Bowler Josh Ritchie-Crichton thought the older fielder might have just “tripped over his own feet” when he saw him crash to the ground during their match — but quickly realised it was far more serious when he ran across to check.

‘WE THOUGHT HE WAS GONE’

“Everybody was calling out and my instincts took over,” said Josh, who is about to start Year 11 at Rosebud Secondary College and is a volunteer at Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club.

He ran to Darren Jones, 49, who was lying on the field at Olympic Park, where Rosebud was playing Langwarrin.

“I thought maybe he had epilepsy or was diabetic, and put him in the recovery position but then we realised he was turning blue,” Josh said.

“I started compressions — instinct just took over, I didn’t really decide to do it.”

Kieran Hanley, 17, who was playing in Rosebud’s First XI on the adjacent ground, ran to get the club’s defibrillator, and the pair twice used the paddles on Mr Jones.

“He was just unresponsive,” Josh said.

“It was a huge relief when the ambulance arrived and they took over, and then I was whisked away to the clubrooms.”

Paramedics continued to work on Mr Jones, and shocked him several more times. The father-of- one and Mornington Peninsula Shire worker is now recovering in Frankston Hospital.

“I’m living, I’m breathing, I’m doing OK,” Mr Jones told the Leader today.

He said he remembered nothing of the event. He was not even meant to be playing on Saturday as he had gone just to watch the fourths — but was asked to sub for the team as they were a player short.

“I don’t remember anything and I don’t remember much of ICU. I was in the ward before I realised what had happened,” he said.

Doctors have now discovered that Mr Jones has cardiomyopathy and will need an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

“It could have happened in my sleep ... it was basically a time bomb,” he said

Partner Cindy Wisseling brought whites to the ground for him, and was watching as the drama unfolded.

The couple paid tribute to Josh, Kieran, and others who came to Mr Jones’ aid.

“How do you thank somebody who has saved your other half’s life?” Ms Wisseling said.

Josh said he was very shaken by the incident, and was unable to sleep until he knew Mr Jones had regained consciousness.

Rosebud Cricket Club coach Jason Mathers said the two youngsters acted bravely to prevent a tragedy.

“He (Jones) was not breathing for 17 minutes,’’ he said.

Langwarrin captain Matt Stevenson was deeply moved by the swift actions of players from both sides.

“What I saw yesterday (on Saturday) was an absolute celebration of humanity and community,’’ he said.

The incident happened on the anniversary of Mr Jones’ father’s death. He died waiting for a heart and lung transplant.