A life saved: How two bystanders’ quick actions rescued a UK visitor in WA

For UK residents Peter and Anna Hall, a holiday in Western Australia was meant to be a time of relaxation.

But on February 5, while shopping in Dunsborough, their trip took a life-threatening turn.

Peter suddenly collapsed in the carpark. His heart had stopped.

Luckily, two strangers were in the right place at the right time.

Steve, a City of Busselton worker, was the first to respond.

“I just turned around and saw Peter go down,” Steve said.

“He hit his head and at first, he was fitting a bit.”

“Then he wasn’t breathing.”

“I didn’t think twice and started CPR straight away.”

As Steve worked to keep Peter’s blood circulating, a local doctor also stepped in to assist with CPR.

Andreas Kolm, a beach inspector with the City of Stirling for 36 years, was on holiday down south with his family when he saw the commotion and rushed to help.

He always carries his own personal Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in his car due to his lifesaving experience.

“I saw someone performing compressions and immediately grabbed my defib from the car,” Andreas said.

“I introduced myself and applied the pads.”

“The machine analysed Peter’s heart and advised a shock.”

They delivered one shock, then another.

“Steve and I took turns performing CPR, and on the third shock, Peter started showing signs of life,” Andreas said.

“You could actually see his colour change—it was amazing,” Steve said.

By the time the ambulance crew arrived, Peter was alive, thanks to the swift CPR and early defibrillation.

On February 21, Peter was able to meet his rescuers in an emotional reunion in Perth.

“I wouldn’t be alive without them. It really is as simple as that,” he said.

“I always wondered what would happen if I ever needed a defibrillator. Well now I know, it saved my life.”

Anna was overwhelmed with gratitude when she reunited with her husband’s rescuers.

“It’s impossible to put into words how thankful I am,” she said.

“Steve and Andreas didn’t hesitate in saving Peter’s life. We will always be grateful to them and to everyone who helped that day.”

Andreas hopes Peter’s story inspires others to take action.

“You never think you’ll need to use these skills, but when the time comes it can mean everything,” he said.

“Doing a first aid course can save a life.”

Every second counts in a cardiac arrest.

Immediate CPR and access to an AED significantly increase a person’s chance of survival.

Book a first aid course today.