Eighteen members of staff at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich have had special training in dealing with cardiac arrests or other life-threatening emergencies.

They completed a Heartstart course, a British Heart Foundation initiative, learning how to do CPR as well as what do to in the event on somebody choking or having a heart attack.

Instructor Beverley-Jayne Last, who visited the club on Monday last week, also showed them how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

The club was keen to carry out the course following an incident a few years ago.

Those who took part included the men’s captain Mark Spratt, general manager John George, operation manager James Noakes, sales and marketing Ali McGuirk, golf professional Alex Hunter.

Nine staff members also successfully completed Level 2 CPR and AED (QCF) accreditation.

Mrs Last said: “It was a great day teaching some very enthusiastic people.

“Everyone was well aware of the distance that an ambulance has to travel to reach the course and so understood that they may all at some point be called upon to attend a life threatening emergency situation on the course or in the restaurants.

“One aspect we concentrated on teaching them was the practical element of the teamwork involved in a resuscitation event, so everyone could work together giving a casualty the best chance of survival.”

The club currently has one defibrillator on site but is looking to invest in another to keep in the Brasserie restaurant.

Mrs Last holds regular courses at Elizabeth House in Walmer. There is still one place available Monday, September 21 at 7pm, two places available on Wednesday, October 7 at 2pm, six places free on Wednesday, November 4, at 2pm and six places free on Wednesday, December 2 at 2pm.

There are two places left on a course available to juniors, aged 10 to 16, on Wednesday, August 5.

If you would like to take part, call Beverley on 01304 374883.