Swift action in Kambalda saves life after cardiac arrest
The fast response of St John Health Kambalda and SJWA on-road teams recently helped save the life of a patient presenting with chest pain.
Their coordinated effort from reception through to paramedics illustrates the importance of timely intervention.
On March 10, Rick Bell arrived at Kambalda experiencing chest pain that had persisted for two days.
Thanks to the quick thinking of the St John Health reception team, Rick was immediately taken to the treatment room for monitoring and observations.
While being assessed, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
The team responded swiftly.
Resuscitation efforts commenced immediately, and Rick was stabilised until Volunteer Ambulance Officers and the Community Paramedic arrived.
Working together, they ensured Rick remained in a stable condition throughout the transfer to Kalgoorlie Health Campus’ Emergency Department.
In recognition of their exceptional teamwork and professionalism, St John WA Certificates of Commendation were awarded to all first responders involved including West Australian Country Health Service (WACHS) team members.
Head of Health Centre Operations & Service Innovation Shaun Preston and Head of General Practice Sid Samanta made the visit out to Kambalda to present the certificates.
“This incident is a reminder of the critical importance of timely intervention in cardiac emergencies,” Shaun said.
“Kambalda can be proud of its healthcare heroes. Your quick actions, skill, and calm under pressure made all the difference.”
As for Rick, he is now fighting fit and is incredibly grateful to be here.
“I am so grateful to St John and the nurses and everyone,” he said.
“Everything just fell into place at the right time.”
A former St John WA volunteer himself, Rick said his first aid training gave him a “pretty good idea” of what was happening to him when he took himself in for treatment.
He ended up requiring a quadruple bypass, and spent a couple of weeks in hospital after being flown to Perth.
Now back home, Rick says he is “on top of the world”.
“I haven’t stopped smiling since the 10th of March,” he said.
“To all those who helped me – they’re absolutely amazing.”
In WA, only 11 per cent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients survive.
Every minute counts as survival decreases by approximately 10 per cent for every minute without CPR or defibrillation.
In an emergency, remember the lifesaving steps: CALL (Triple Zero 000) – PUSH (chest compressions) – SHOCK (use an AED if available).