STAFF at a Renfrew swimming pool have been praised for coming to the aid of an unconscious man at the weekend.

The team from the Victory Baths, in Inchinnan Road, rushed to help the unresponsive man, who was found lying on the ground outside at 11.30am on Saturday.

After contacting the emergency services, staff used a defibrillator from the poolside to check the man’s vital signs.

When paramedics arrived at the scene, he was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Lindsay McKillop, secretary of Renfrew Community Council, witnessed the incident and was impressed by the quick response of staff at the baths.

She told The Gazette: “The team fought for that guy. They deserve recognition for the hard work they put it.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Leisure, which manages the pool, said: “At about 11.30am on Saturday, staff at Renfrew Victory Baths were alerted by a passer-by to a man lying unconscious about 30 metres away from the building.

“The team on duty, who are all first aid trained, reacted quickly and contacted the emergency services. Following advice from the ambulance service, they took the defibrillator housed at the baths to the man, in case it was needed.

“The defibrillator detected a heartbeat and therefore did not need to be used further.

“Our staff placed the man in the recovery position and looked after him until an ambulance arrived. He was then taken to hospital. We have no further information on his condition but hope he is well and send our best wishes.”

The incident follows an announcement from Renfrewshire Council earlier this month that every primary school in the region will soon have access to a life-saving defibrillator.

The resuscitation devices are already available at all secondary and additional support needs schools across Renfrewshire but will be relocated if they are currently within the building to ensure 24/7 community access to the equipment.