Two medics have spoken about the moment they helped save the life of a man who collapsed after finishing a race.

Emergency medical technicians Sharon Hearn, 47, and Max Marchant, 21, were supervising the Fairlands Valley Spartans 3km relay race in Stevenage on Thursday when a runner, in his 40s, collapsed after crossing the line.

The man suffered a cardiac arrest and the pair, who work for Hearts Services and live in Stevenage, performed CPR and used a defibrillator to try to revive him, with the help of other runners.

Paramedics then arrived at the scene in Fairlands Valley Park and gave further treatment before the man was taken to a specialist cardiac unit at Lister Hospital in Stevenage. He was later released and is currently recovering at home.

Mrs Hearn said: “We were called over because a man had collapsed and wasn’t breathing. I’d just lost a friend recently and was quite emotional, but the training just took over.

“I’m glad to hear this man is ok and thankful that we managed to save him.”

Paramedic Chris Martin, who attended the scene, said: “Prior to our arrival, the man was found unconscious and not breathing and he was being treated by a team of medics from medical providers Hearts Services and a first aider.

“They commenced advanced life support and defibrillated the man three times prior to our response car arriving at the scene. With their assistance, we delivered four further shocks and the man regained consciousness.

“There is no doubt that the rapid interventions and treatment they gave the man before we arrived has saved his life. They must be all very proud of themselves.”

Ambulance officer Gary Sanderson said: “This proves that having basic knowledge of how to recognise and treat a patient who is in cardiac arrest will save lives.

“Without doubt their rapid interventions and being in the right place at the right time has saved this man’s life. They must feel very proud indeed, well done.”