A statement regarding Sheffield Wednesday’s response delay following the passing of West Brom supporter Mark Townsend
In an effort to justify the emergency response time following Mark Townsend’s terrible death last weekend, Sheffield Wednesday has produced a statement.
Mark Townsend, 57, a Baggies season ticket holder, experienced a medical emergency thirty minutes into the match at Hillsborough and passed away soon after. Reports from other Albion supporters in the Leppings Lane end stand criticized the medical staff’s and home stewards’ reaction times.
Last week Mark’s brother Steve claimed he had learned the response time took around 10 to 12 minutes for a medic and defibrillator to reach Mark, who had attended the game with his 21-year-old nephew. An Albion supporter and an off-duty paramedic who were both at the game had treated Mark.
However, Wednesday has responded in a statement that advanced paramedic care was on the scene and providing treatment within three minutes of the control room being notified, which was just a minute after the nearest steward was alerted. Wednesday is conducting an internal investigation while in communication with Albion and the relevant authorities.
The Owls released the following statement: “First and foremost, everyone at Sheffield Wednesday’s thoughts are with Mr. Townsend’s loved ones and the larger West Bromwich Albion community.” All relevant parties continue to collaboratively gather the detail and circumstances about the terrible occurrence last Saturday as part of the continuing assessment process.
“In the interim, without compromising the review, it can be confirmed that advanced paramedic care was at the scene applying emergency treatment within three minutes of the control room being notified, just over one minute after the nearest steward was alerted. The club is ready to receive the results of the review process, which will be completed in due course, and will fully assist with any investigation that the coroner may launch.
“We can guarantee that the club provides medical care above and above the recommendations of the Green Guide to all supporters that visit Hillsborough. Sheffield Wednesday would like to once again extend its deepest sympathies to Mr. Townsend’s family, friends, and all those associated with West Bromwich Albion.
