Almost two years ago, Peter Reynolds received the greatest Christmas gift after a family member saved his life.
The 66-year-old had a cardiac arrest and, this Shocktober, is sharing his story to encourage others to learn lifesaving skills.
Peter was helping his cousin, Stephen Gustus, move house on December 23, 2022, when he suddenly collapsed, hit his head and became unresponsive.
Stephen Gustus (left) helped save his cousin Peter Reynolds (right) when he went into cardiac arrest in December 2022.
Stephen moved Peter onto his back and checked his vital signs while calling his mum, Shar who was downstairs.
After realising Peter wasn’t breathing, Stephen immediately started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while Shar called Triple Zero (000).
Working together, the pair took turns performing effective CPR until firefighters and paramedics arrived on scene.
After spending six days in intensive care at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter returned home and recovered with no lasting effects.
Stephen said he had previously learnt CPR through a first aid course but had never needed to use it before.
“I thought he was going to die if I didn’t act fast, so I wasted no time starting compressions,” he said.
“The gravity of what happened has definitely sunk in now and I realise how precious life is.
“Peter and I were always close but now we’re even closer. He’s like a father to me and it’s special that I was able to help save him.”
Stephen Gustus (middle row left) and Peter Reynolds (middle row right) reunited with paramedics and firefighters.
Ambulance Victoria Acting Area Manager, Lucy Claridge said Peter’s story shows how important early bystander intervention is for cardiac arrest cases.
“A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms,” she said.
“Peter was lucky Stephen knew what to do and was able to quickly start effective CPR in the crucial minutes before emergency services arrived.
“We want everyone to know that you don’t have to be a paramedic to save a life, you just have to remember to Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR), Shock (use an AED).”
Thanks to the quick thinking of those around him, Peter has made a full recovery.
“I’m thankful to the paramedics, they do great work everyday and I am in awe of them,” he said.
“In my eyes, Stephen is the real hero as he overcame the emotion of seeing a loved one like that and focused on my health and what he needed to do to save me,” Peter said.
“His quick thinking made all the difference. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for his efforts.”
Shocktober is a month-long campaign to highlight the importance of learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
