Second chance at life thanks to early first aid

Allan Duncan was swimming laps at his local pool when he realised he was having a heart attack.

Having had one before, and having done a previous first aid course, the 75-year-old knew exactly what to do.

Allan had lifeguards at Swan Active Ballajura call Triple Zero (000), and St John WA paramedics Gareth and Tia arrived in eight minutes.

It wasn’t until Allan was in the back of the ambulance en route to hospital that he went into cardiac arrest.

“My training said ‘something’s not right, get out’, so I did,” Allan said.

“Indeed he was having […] a heart attack,” Tia said.

Allan’s health deteriorated in the back of the ambulance, and he soon went into cardiac arrest.

“We managed to give a couple of shocks as well as some medication,” Tia said.

“We’ve given him some oxygen and compressions and got him back.

“It was a full resuscitation.”

Allan got to thank Tia during an emotional reunion in honour of Restart a Heart Day on October 16.

“She saved my life, It’s as simple as that,” Allan said.

“I was dead.

“I found out just how much work she put in to bringing me back.

“She didn’t let go.”

Allan had surgery following his scare, but has made a full recovery and is back cycling, swimming, and playing with his granddaughter.

He now wants everyone to learn first aid.

“It may save your life,” he said.

“It may save your child’s life.

“In my case it saved me twice.”

St John WA offers a range of nationally accredited courses as well as shorter, non-accredited training options – meaning there’s an option for everyone, no matter what your reason is for learning first aid.