QUICK-thinking actions from participants in the NSW Hill Climb Championships, held in Bathurst this month, has saved the life of a fellow cyclist who collapsed.
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According to Cycling NSW, cyclist Rob Davey collapsed shortly after finishing his 4.2-kilometre ride at the top of Mount Panorama.
Those around him responded immediately and used a heart rate strap to check his pulse, discovering his heart had stopped.
A rider from Illawarra Cycle Club, Phillip Parle, started chest compressions and was later relieved by Peter Tononcelli from Marconi Cycling Club, who continued until first aid personnel from St John's Ambulance attended.
They were later aided by another cyclist Katie Banerjee, also a doctor, who was asked by Cycling NSW president Glenn Vigar to accompany him to the incident.
Mr Vigar said the actions of those first on the scene were vital.
"In the overall story, those compressions from within 30 seconds to one minute of the patient collapsing are what saved his life," he said.
He was later airlifted to hospital. Cycling NSW understands he has undergone heart bypass surgery and is recovering well.