Three months ago, Mount Waverley man Ralph Di Scala was found unresponsive while gardening, but thanks to the quick-thinking actions of his daughter, he is back to doing what he loves.
On August 29, 84-year-old Ralph was helping his daughter Gina cut back plants when he went into cardiac arrest.
Gina immediately called Triple Zero (000) and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the crucial minutes before emergency services arrived.
“When I turned around and saw he had collapsed I was very shocked because he was so fit,” she said.
“I knew I had to act quickly and manage the situation until help arrived.”
Paramedic Isabella Ydreos, Gina and Ralph Di Scala and Paramedic Jade Evans.
Within minutes, Fire Rescue Victoria crews were on scene and took over compressions, with Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics close behind.
Working together seamlessly, the crews were able to restart Ralph’s heart, shocking him with a defibrillator before transporting him to hospital.
After spending more than a week in the Victorian Heart Hospital, Ralph is now back at home and has returned to doing small tasks in his garden.
Ralph said the last thing he remembered was doing light pruning before waking up in the hospital.
“I remember a little bit before I collapsed but nothing after,” he said.
“I am feeling so much better now and wanted to say thank you to everyone.”
Recently, Ralph and Gina reunited with the emergency service workers who came to their aid.
Not everyone is as lucky as Ralph. Every day, around 21 Victorians will suffer a cardiac arrest and only 1 in 10 survive.
Ralph with the first responders who helped save his life.
AV Advanced Life Support Paramedic, Isabella Ydreos said Ralph’s recovery was testament to Gina’s fast actions and effective CPR.
“I don’t think the outcome would have been the same if Gina didn’t jump in,” she said.
“Her CPR was incredible and it made all the difference.
“It goes to show you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life, you just need to remember to Call, Push, Shock.”
Gina said she was grateful for the exceptional care her and her father received.
“Dad wouldn’t be here without all the help and support of Ambulance Victoria, Triple Zero Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria,” she said.
“All the services attended and worked as a team to bring back dad and the support they provided me during such a terrifying time was incredible.”
AV paramedics and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters work together to respond to critical medical emergencies under the Emergency Medical Response (EMR) partnership.
EMR is an integral part of Victoria’s world-class response to patients in cardiac arrest, improving health outcomes in the community.
