A KNIGHTSWOOD man has praised the public and staff who saved his life after he suffered a heart attack at a swimming pool.

Ian Greig, 58, said he was “lucky” and grateful after he went into cardiac arrest at Drumchapel Pool.

A medical transport worker, who happened to be in the pool recovering from a knee injury, used his training to keep Ian alive with the help of pool staff until paramedics arrived.

Ian went to the pool, as he does two or three times a week, around 10am on June 2.

He told the Post: “I only did about three lengths. I try to keep my heart in shape. I felt a bit unwell and I tapped my chest. I managed to just get out of the pool. I slumped to the side and still had one foot in the pool. They dragged me away from the side of the pool.

“All the staff at Drumchapel pool were amazing. I was very lucky there was a passing fast response car as well.”

Ian was taken to the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank and a stent was put in and last week an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) was fitted.

Martin MacLeod, 44, also from Knightswood, was in the pool to aid recovery from a knee injury but has extensive training working for the Scottish Ambulance Service in patient transport.

He said had Ian still been in the water, he would likely have drowned. And because he was at the pool, there was a defibrillator on hand to shock him back to life.

Martin said: “I was just going in and walking up the side of the pool and noticed the life guard with someone half in and half out and I went up and offered to help. She had him in the recovery position but he was quite blue. His wife said there had been heart trouble before so I got him against a wall sitting up and then he stopped breathing.”

Martin started CPR and staff brought the defibrillator and shocked Ian back just as paramedics arrived.

The 44-year-old, who was modest in his contribution and said everyone helped, added: “It was just the young girl [life guard] at first. The staff were really good. Ian was very lucky on the day.”

Ian’s wife, Catherine, 63, admitted she didn’t think he would make it, adding “It seemed to happen so quickly. I can’t thank the staff enough and the paramedics and Martin.”

Ian, who had his first heart attack when he was 35, added: “What can I say? It’s a huge big thank you. I’m just amazed that they were there and were able to get my heart beating again. I can’t thank them enough.”