NT holidaymaker survives cardiac arrest after airport save

While he won’t be seen on the squash court for a while, Andrew Fyles is back savouring retiree life after a sudden cardiac arrest in February. 

Just two months ago, 79-year-old Andrew was found unconscious at Perth Airport, minutes before his flight back to his home in the Northern Territory. 

His heart had stopped and, with just one in 10 surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, he needed help – immediately.  

“I was down and out, I was horizontal and cooling,” Andrew said.  

“It started with a bystander who started giving me CPR seriously well.” 

Taking over from the bystander, the St John WA airport medical officer stepped in to assess Andrew and commence further CPR and defibrillation.  

St John WA paramedics arrived swiftly to continue Andrew’s care and get him straight to Royal Perth Hospital.  

Andrew and his wife, Cheryl, had just finished up a sunny two-week holiday in Western Australia, enjoying quality time with family and friends in Mandurah.  

A three-week stay in hospital ensured he was well enough to be discharged and fly back to Darwin.  

Andrew kindly donated $1000 to St John WA to reflect his, and his family’s, “profound gratitude” for saving his life. 

“I feel terrific now,” he said. 

“The medical services from you lot [St John WA] all the way through was outstanding.” 

Working closely with Perth Airport, St John WA currently provides an on-site medical service, who assist in keeping passengers moving safely through one of WA’s busiest environments. 

“We’re thrilled to see how well Andrew is recovering after his cardiac arrest,” David Waters, St John WA Enterprise Partnerships Manager, said. 

“Whether it’s supporting passengers in transit, responding to emergencies, or caring for the airport workforce, our partnership with Perth Airport makes it one of the safest places in WA to have a clinical incident.” 

Andrew is now back under the care of his regular cardiologist and has an implanted cardiac monitor now reporting back any issues with his heart. 

He had experienced an irregular heartbeat many years ago and was just six days out from his annual cardiology check-up when the incident occurred.  

Although he’s a little unsteady on his feet, and some further investigation is required, Andrew’s recovery has been remarkable.  

“At the age of 79, I reckon that’s alright,” he said.