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Machine operator saved by defibrillator at Wates prison site
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
Chris Bird (centre) was saved thanks to the availability of a defibrillator like the one in the picture. He's flanked by McCoy's managing director, Chris Haughey (right) and contracts manager, Shaun Sinclair
A McCoy machine operator is still alive thanks to the quick actions of colleagues and the availability of an onsite defibrillator at Wates’ HMP Brinsford project.
Chris Bird, 46, suffered a cardiac arrest last November while working at the site. Responding rapidly, a friend performed CPR and site managers used the defibrillator.
“Through CPR and the use of the defibrillator, Chris was essentially brought back to life by the team on site,” said Chris Haughey, managing director of McCoy Contractors. “We are incredibly relieved and grateful that he has made a full recovery. Chris is returning to work in February to continue his normal duties.”
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According to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, sudden cardiac arrests are one of the top causes of death in the UK. Without timely intervention of CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival is less than 3%. However, if action is taken within five minutes the survival rate increases to as much as 70%.
‘This could happen to anyone’
Bird said: “I am mentally and physically fit and like every other day for the past 30 years, I went to work one morning, not expecting that I would suffer a cardiac arrest that would change my life forever. There were no major warning signs, only some slight heartburn the evening before. It’s a stark reminder that this can happen to anyone, at any time. It was a huge shock to everyone, especially my family and the colleagues on site with me.
“I firmly believe that having defibrillators on construction sites across the country could save countless lives in a critical situation. Without the quick thinking of [my lifelong friend] Colin, the staff at Wates, and immediate access to a defibrillator, I wouldn’t be here today. I died for 16 minutes on site, far from my family, and if it wasn’t for the defibrillator, the outcome would have been entirely different. I’ll be forever grateful to everyone who was there that day.”
Bird's emergency event has prompted McCoy to install an automated external defibrillator (AED) at its head office in Knowle, Solihull, and raise awareness about the critical role defibrillators play in workplace safety.
Haughey added: “Safety has always been a top priority for us, but this event has highlighted just how vital it is to have defibrillators available and staff trained to use them.”
The November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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