A Rosebud teenager is back in the gym less than three months after going into cardiac arrest during a workout, with the incredible recovery attributed to the fast-acting staff.
Austin Blight, 17, said there was no warning before he collapsed at the Yawa Aquatic Centre gym in July.
“The last thing I remember was texting my mates’ group chat, then I woke in the cardiac unit a few days later,” he said.
When Austin fell unconscious, gym staff immediately rushed to his aid and quickly realised he didn’t have a pulse.
They called Triple Zero (000), began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and applied the gym’s automated external defibrillator (AED), delivering one shock while paramedics were on their way.
Austin with MICA paramedics Michelle and Coen, and Tayla from Yawa Aquatic who began CPR.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic Michelle Winterton said these steps – Call, Push, Shock – were crucial in giving Austin the best chance of survival.
“Minutes matter in cardiac arrests and when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles,” Michelle said.
Austin was rushed to hospital and just a few days later, in the cardiac unit recovering.
Yawa venue manager Dan Andrews said his staff’s ability not to panic in the face of a medical emergency was impressive.
“While a confronting scenario, this team deserves recognition for their preparation and responsiveness in emergencies – I’m extremely proud of their efforts,” he said.
“Their calm demeanour, clear and effective communication was key.”
Austin’s mum Alicia said the incident was any parent’s worst nightmare and she couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who helped save her son.
“It was terrifying and by far the worst experience of my life,” she said.
“It just didn’t make sense – he was healthy and there had been no indication anything was wrong.
“‘Thank you’ is inadequate for what everyone did for him.
“Our family would never have been the same without him, so they saved us too.”
During Shocktober, Austin and his family met up with the paramedics and gym staff who helped save his life.
Austin was able to return to school to finish year 12, and is now back drumming and working out in the gym again.
“The only thing that is still taking a toll on me is my fatigue, even when I was just doing basic schoolwork,” he said.
“Other than that, I’ve recovered very well.
“I’ve been focused on finishing school and I’m looking forward to doing an apprenticeship, as well as going to a couple of concerts soon.
“I’m grateful I’m still here and that I’m able to finish school and do whatever I want to do – I can’t really say anything else other than that I’m very thankful for what everyone did to keep me alive.”
Some of the paramedics who cared for Austin were able to reunite with him, his family and the gym staff as part of Shocktober, a month-long cardiac arrest awareness campaign encouraging all Victorians to learn Call, Push, Shock.
“Every day, around 21 Victorians will suffer a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 survive,” Michelle said.
“Last year, paramedics responded to a record 7,830 cardiac arrest patients but there was also record bystander intervention.
“You don’t have to be a paramedic to save a life – anyone can in three simple steps: Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR by pushing hard and fast on the middle of the chest), Shock (use an AED).”
MICA paramedics Michelle and Coen with Austin.
Michelle said all Victorians should feel confident to use an AED, regardless of whether they’ve had training.
“Anyone can use an AED by simply opening it and following the instructions,” she said.
“They are automated devices that are safe to use – they will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”
Shocktober is a month-long campaign to highlight the importance of learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
