Dan Elms used to go to the gym three or four times a week

Dan Elms, 56, from Oxted, had a heart attack while he was on a rowing machine at Edenbridge Leisure Centre, in Kent.

Two crew members from the local fire station attended as part of a co-responder scheme with the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

It means the firefighters carry and are trained to use defibrillators.

Mr Elms suffered his heart attack on 28 September.

Final day

"I was on it [the rowing machine] one minute and the next minute I was off it.

"I was resuscitated in the middle of two rowing machines."

The men who saved his life included one retained firefighter who was retiring after 35 years.

Bob Nickolson, who was watch manager at the Edenbridge station, said: "It was my last day on duty... I was so pleased when Mr Elms came round.

"Helping to save his life was the best thing that has happened to me during my time in the fire and rescue service."

Mr Elms is now recovering from a double heart bypass operation.