Kialla father David Green is counting his lucky stars after his daughter, Amy saved his life in April when he had an out of hospital cardiac arrest at home.
Their story shows anyone can save a life, and this month Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics are reiterating this message as part of our Shocktober campaign, which aims to highlight the importance of learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
David had just returned home from the gym when he began experiencing chest pain and collapsed in front of Amy.
Amy, who is a registered nurse, wasted no time and rushed to her father’s aid, immediately starting CPR and calling Triple Zero (000).
“I just went into work mode and did whatever I could to give him the best chance of survival,” she said.
She did CPR on her father for 10 minutes before the firefighters and paramedics arrived and delivered seven shocks using an AED.
David was airlifted to Bendigo Health where he underwent surgery and remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) for six weeks.
Six months on, David is back at home and recovering well thanks to the outstanding efforts of his daughter.
“If Amy wasn’t here and didn’t have the skills, I wouldn’t be alive today,” he said.
“I was very lucky it happened when it did and that she was home. The firefighters all called Amy a hero, but I think she’s my angel.”
David’s wife, Fay said his recovery has exceeded the doctor’s expectations.
“When he was airlifted to hospital the doctor said he might not make it home,” she said.
“At our last visit to the heart specialist they couldn’t believe how quickly he is progressing. It’s all down to the incredible care he received.”
David Green (left) with AV Paramedic Chenaye Bentley.
Every day, around 21 Victorians will suffer a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 will survive.
With nearly 80 per cent of cardiac arrests occurring at home, Amy said she hopes her father’s experience encourages others to become familiar with CPR.
“It’s a skill that everyone should have. I didn’t expect to use it at home, but it just goes to show you don’t know when you’ll need to save a life,” she said.
Last month, David and his family reunited with the paramedics who responded to his case.
AV Paramedic Chenaye Bentley said David’s recovery shows the importance of quick and effective CPR intervention.
“It was special to be able to see David again and recovering well with his family,” she said.
“So many things had to fall into place for David to have this outcome after his cardiac arrest.
“Without a doubt, Amy saved her father’s life by calling for help and providing CPR – this is key in the chain of survival.”
Minutes matter in cardiac arrest and when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.
Chenaye said more Victorians can offer their help and contribute to improving cardiac arrest survival rates in Victoria, by signing up to the GoodSAM app.
“It’s an app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with a nearby volunteer who is willing to start hands-only CPR while paramedics are on their way,” she said.
“Responding is voluntary but if you do accept a GoodSAM response in your area, your critical early intervention before paramedics arrive could be the life-saving difference for a patient.”
Anyone comfortable performing hands only CPR is encouraged to sign up to be a GoodSAM Responder to help save more Victorians, like David.
There are currently more than 16,000 GoodSAM Responders across the state- but we always need more.
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