Horseman saves the life of a spectator

Swift and immediate intervention from Swedish harness racing driver Kevin Porshage, 31, possibly saved the life of a spectator during the races at Umåker Travbana in Northern Sweden on Friday (April 7).

The life and death drama took place immediately after the fourth race, a race in which Porshage guided four-year-old filly Catri Hall to only her second career win.

While getting ready the start the winners’ circle interview, Porshage noticed a spectator who fell lifeless to the ground a few yards away.

“I was very worried, of course,” Porshage said. “I went over to him but was unable to make any contact. I checked for a pulse, but there was almost nothing, so I started with heart compressions. He woke up pretty quickly, so I don’t know if my actions contributed that much. It was more like a heart massage.”

Porshage later told Norwegian site Trav365no that in the hours after the race the Swedish driver received countless messages. He’s very appreciative but also slightly bothered: for Porshage it’s not about being a hero but doing what’s right.

“I have received many messages from unknown people,” Porshage said. “It’s very nice, but the most important thing is just to react and do what you have to do in such a situation. It’s about some simple basic skills and technique, and it’s important that as many people as possible can do these things. I have a background as a cab driver. Then we had annual first aid courses, and the lessons there have stuck with me.

“At least we got his heart going,” Porshage added. “But my wife, who is a nurse, would probably say that there was a lot to work on in terms of technique,” he adds tongue-in-cheek.

by Harnesslink Media