Coastguards to be awarded after saving colleagues' life

Coastguards saved the life of their colleague during a training exercise Credit: ITV Meridian

Five coastguards will be awarded for saving the life of a teammate on Avon Beach in Christchurch.

Matthew Lees, a volunteer for the coastguard, suffered a cardiac arrest during a training exercise last September.

Matthew was in a dry suit, being pulled ashore during an exercise in the dark when he fell unconscious.

Coastguard, Marc Reddy said they cut off Matthew's helmet and dry suit to get access to his chest before conducting CPR on him for 17 minutes.

Coastguards saved their colleague after he fell ill during training at Avon Beach Credit: ITV Meridian

Coastguard Area Commander, Tom Wright said he knew it was a life threatening situation and that he needed to get down there as soon as possible because one of his "guys were in deep trouble".

Matthew said he felt no pain when he was revived, but was confused because he thought he had just fainted.

  • Richard Slee interviewed Matthew Lees about how he felt after he was revived

  • Interview: Tom Wright, Coastguard Area Commander

Matthew spent a week recovering in hospital and has two stents to fix his undiagnosed heart condition.

Matthew is now back on duty as a volunteer member of the coastguard.

  • Click to watch Richard Slee's full report: