Thread: A Sad end to a night out

Ean,

Well done to your daughter. She had a go and she should be proud of her efforts.

On a Mon afternoon, 16 Aug 94, on my home from work I had dropped in at the newsagent on the Albury side of the rail-line in the Wodonga main street. I will admit, I was scanning the magazine racks for a Land Rover magazine.

A lady came running into the shop and asked if the shop-owner could ring an ambulance. I asked her what was wrong and she said "There is a dead man outside....". I ran out and saw a man laying in the pedestrian walkway on the Wodonga side of the rail-line. Ran to him and he was the bluest colour you could imagine. He was not a young-un. Rolled him onto his back and checked his vitals; nothing. Had to remove his top dentures and then commenced CPR.

A crowd grew as I was CPR'ing and each time I came up to compress him I asked if anyone could assist. Nil reaction. I think there would have been about 30 odd people there.

I had him breathing but still unconscious by the time the ambulance arrived. By the account of the ambulance driver it took them 15mins to get to site.

There were two ambos and I helped them lift him onto the gurney. One stayed in the back, we closed the door, and then they drove away. The crowd dissipated. I drove home.

Could not sleep that night, just wondering what had happened to him. I called the Wodonga Hospital. They acknowledged that someone had been admitted that PM but, they could not relate to me what his condition was. They did ask me for my name and number.

The Wodonga Police called me at work the next day and asked if I had been involved with the incident. They did relate that the man was still alive and they thanked me.

A week later, the Police called me and asked if I was willing to have my contact details provided to the family of the man. I said OK. They contacted me a week later to inform me that their father was well. That lifted me so much. Then, two months later, myself and my family were invited to his 60th birthday. That was great. All his family thanked me.

I was working at the Army TAFE there at Wodonga. In November each year we held a 'graduation' march-out ceremony of the Tradies. That year, MAJ GEN Frank Hickling, the General Officer Commanding Training Command attended as the Reviewing Officer. As the graduates were awarded and prepared to march-off, the CO called everyone to attention and ordered me to march out to the podium. MAJ GEN Hickling then awarded me with his GOC's Commendation for my CPR'ing on the 16th Aug. Completely ambushed. I was told later that the VIC Police had promoted the matter to Army.

The incident was a 'life defining moment' though. I can still feel everything about it. Sadly enough, the man died 5yrs later. His family informed me; another heart attack. They assured me he was very happy with his 2nd chance and lived his life to the fullest with his family.

A very human experience. My heart and feelings go out to those who have to do this every day; the ambos, nurses, cops, medics etc.

Well Done Eans Daughter.
For Stepping up and doing something and for doing it well!

The sad truth is that only a small percentage of CPR recipients come back
Though she is a professional in the industy it is VERY important the she receive Critical Incident counselling. She may be a nurse, but happening during dinner, the normal Professional detatchment gets broken through.
Dave.

Question 1:
Hands up if you have a first aid kit in your 4wd, car or caravan.
If you answered Yes, congrats to you.
But...
Question 2:
Do you know how to use it properly?
Didn't think so. Now i do!

Just like a fire extinguisher, its good to have with you in an emergency, but best if you know how to use it properly.

Two weeks ago i did a St John two day course that cost $220.

After motorbike riding and general skylarking for the last 25 years incident free myself, it took ANOTHER (3rd) head on smash between a mate and another rider on a bend to get me thinking a bit more about a first aid course.
My mate was only bruised and dazed and i drove he and his car home. The other rider it turns out along with some heavy bruising, broke a forearm, collar bone and smashed his shin and foot. A month in hospital for his trouble.
This was 3 klm into his first ride back after 3 months in hospital and six months off work following his last "Off" He has since retired from riding. 4 wheels are safer he claims.
The TAC asked many questions during the 1.5 hour interview, one of those was if i or anyone else in the group had first aid training.
NO was the response.
For the last twenty years i have carried a very basic first aid kit with me when riding but never had to use it, or more importantly, never bothered to learn how to use it properly. Now i do and hope i never have to use it again.

Well done to Ean's daughter.
It is better to have tried than to have not tried at all.

For all of you, especially leaders of a regular group or family, i suggest you do a course. You never know when you or someone close to you may need it.

BTW
Ask to be a first aid officer at work and they will pay for the course and refreshers.

cheers
R2

This British Heart Foundation add has been on the TV over here since before Christmas.

Vinnie Jones makes CPR ad to Staying Alive soundtrack - TNT Magazine

Local connection for you in the choice of band playing the tune which is key to the message.