Kahu Woolley's Remarkable Recovery and Advocacy for Defibrillators in Sports

Kahu Woolley, a woodchopping competitor from Taumarunui, experienced a life-threatening incident while participating in a woodchopping event. During the competition, Woolley felt unwell after finishing a log and collapsed, ultimately dying in the arms of his wife, Kirsty. Fortunately, fellow competitors and friends intervened, using a defibrillator to revive him multiple times before he was airlifted to a hospital, where a stent was inserted to address his heart condition. Woolley expressed gratitude for the presence of the defibrillator at the event, noting that it was the first time it had been used.

The New Zealand Herald

Despite the severity of his health scare, Woolley made a swift recovery and returned to compete at the Amuri Plains Show in Canterbury. He described his feelings about competing again as positive, stating, “I’m feeling pretty good really, considering I was sort of dead a few months ago.” Woolley aims to join the New Zealand Stihl team and believes he has several more years of competitive potential, particularly in sawing events.

The New Zealand Herald

The incident has transformed Woolley into a strong advocate for the availability of defibrillators at sporting venues. His wife recently completed a course on how to operate a defibrillator, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in sports. Woolley, who has a history in timbersports and previously competed at the Timbersport World Championships, now encourages regular health checks for men, regardless of their perceived fitness. He shared his experience of recognizing the signs of a heart attack, urging others to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice when necessary.

The New Zealand Herald

Woolley has highlighted the critical role that immediate medical intervention played in his survival. He stated, “The [defibrillator] saved my life,” underscoring the importance of having such equipment readily available at sporting events. His advocacy aims to raise awareness about heart health and the significance of defibrillators in emergency situations.

The New Zealand Herald

While Woolley’s experience has been largely positive in terms of recovery and advocacy, there may be concerns regarding the accessibility and training for using defibrillators at various sporting events. Critics argue that not all venues are equipped with such life-saving devices, which could put athletes at risk during competitions.

The New Zealand Herald

• “I basically finished the log and got back to my axe box and knew there was something wrong and turned to my wife, Kirsty, and basically died in her arms,” — Kahu Woolley

The New Zealand Herald

• “I felt what it felt like to suffer that heart attack, my heart had started racing and obviously I couldn’t breathe and my vision went, so just keeping an eye on those little signs like that, if I sort of feel anything I’ll definitely be pulling up.” — Kahu Woolley

The New Zealand Herald

Kahu Woolley’s journey from a near-fatal incident to a renewed commitment to competition and health advocacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness and awareness in sports.

The New Zealand Herald