image source, roblox academy
- author, Alice Kallinen
- role, BBC News, West Midlands
A martial arts academy is installing defibrillators after one of the pieces of equipment borrowed from a fast food restaurant saved its owner's life.
Roblok was training at his friend's martial arts school, Wombone Legacy BJJ, when he suffered a heart attack during class.
He said instructors performed CPR for about 20 minutes before the restaurant's defibrillator was used, before paramedics transported him to the hospital.
Mr Locke, owner of Roblox Martial Arts Academy in Dudley, said waking up in hospital and being diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) was a “massive shock to the system”.
“I'm so grateful to have been there with the people who stood up to give CPR. If I had stayed home, it could have been a lot worse,” he said.
“I can't wait to come back.”
Lena Challenor, Locke's business partner, said she ordered a defibrillator immediately after the incident to save lives.
“It really highlighted the need to protect our 400 members and their families and help the community,” she said.
Locke, who has competed and trained all over the world, said he had never had a similar experience in the 50 years since the academy opened.
Currently recuperating at home, he said returning to the academy in the coming weeks will be emotional, but it will also be great.
“I have received hundreds of cards and kind wishes and I can't wait to get back to work,” Locke said.
Challenor said the defibrillator will be located within the academy, but will also be available to the general public, especially on weekends and evenings when the medical center is closed.
