‘I knew I had to do CPR’: Hero teen who saved a boy’s life says he would do it again

A Perth teenager has been recognised by St John WA for his extraordinary actions that helped save the life of another boy in December last year.

Dylan Bennet was just 17 and playing basketball with a group of other teens in Perth when one of the players collapsed.

Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest immediately, Dylan wasted no time in dialling Triple Zero (000) and starting CPR.

“It was just another night shooting hoops,” he said.

“I saw [the boy] leaning on his mate’s shoulder and went over.

“His mates were trying to wake him up, then he took one deep gasp of air and just slumped.

“I thought one of two things. Because he shook quite violently, I thought it was a seizure at first.

“Once he went still, I thought ‘that’s an arrest’.”

Dylan, who had recently completed a first aid course with St John WA, immediately called Triple Zero (000) and put the call on speaker.

“I knew I had to do CPR,” he said.

“This kid was pulseless.

“I just thought, I’m going to save his life.”

When paramedics arrived, the patient was given two shocks from an AED and rushed to hospital.

Thankfully, he has made a full recovery.

This week, Dylan was invited to meet St John WA Group CEO Kevin Brown and Resuscitation Improvement Specialist Jason Belcher, and was presented with a Community Hero Award.

“Dylan did an incredible job,” Mr Belcher said.

“He gave this patient the very best opportunity.”

Mr Brown congratulated Dylan on his actions and said there was nothing better than saving someone’s life.

Dylan also got to meet Innika Fouwler, the call taker who helped guide him through the dramatic ordeal.

“Once I zeroed in on the CPR, it was almost as if it was just me and the call taker,” Dylan said.

“I was definitely very relieved when the paramedics arrived and I thought, this kid’s gonna make it.

“If it happened again, I’d do it over and over again.

“I’m just glad the boy is doing okay.”

Mr Brown reiterated the importance of learning first aid, and said it was vital for members of the community to have the confidence to step in and serve humanity.

“There’s nothing more special,” he said.

Find out more about St John WA first aid courses HERE.