Guy Leech

Guy Leech is known as Australia’s “#1 Fitness Guy”. A world champion in Ironman and surf lifesaving competitions, his stamina and strength are famous in the sporting world. But when his friend suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in front of him, Guy felt something he rarely experiences: being powerless.​

In early 2016, Guy and his paddling club were enjoying a beautiful summer day in Australia’s Manly Harbour. At the end of their session, one of the kayakers, Charles Stewart, affectionately known to his friends as “Chucky”, began to feel shortness of breath and collapsed.

Guy sprang into action and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Chucky’s chest for 10 minutes, as others called for an ambulance. Once the ambulance arrived, paramedics were able to revive Chucky with a LIFEPAK® automated external defibrillator (AED). Unfortunately, Chucky never recovered and passed away, after a week in a local hospital.
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One of life’s most haunting questions is “What if?” and Guy began asking himself just that, wondering if faster access to a defibrillator could have made a difference in saving his friend.

What if there had been an AED somewhere more nearby? Maybe on the beach? Or in his or a friend’s vehicle? While he’ll never know for certain if avoiding the wait for defibrillation would have saved Chucky’s life, Guy believes AEDs should be in as many places as possible.

After learning first-hand that sudden cardiac arrest can strike anywhere and anytime, Guy is passionate about AEDs becoming more commonplace in Australian businesses and individuals. ​

All Australian businesses should offer CPR training and have access to defibrillators,” said Guy. “With the right training and the right equipment, employees and customers can potentially save a life.”

Guy Leech on Linkedin