Workplace First Aid Saves Life After Sudden Cardiac Arrest
17 Oct 2025
Chris said he almost didn’t go to work that day — a decision that ended up saving his life.
“I nearly didn’t go to work, but I decided to go, which I think is the key reason why I’m here,” he said.
Shortly after a morning meeting, Chris suddenly collapsed. His colleagues, trained in CPR, immediately began resuscitation and used the on-site Automated External Defibrillator (AED) until paramedics arrived.
“One of the key reasons I’m here is that people acted straight away to keep the blood flowing,” Chris said.
Paramedic Cairine Coleman-Metcalfe, who attended the scene, said the early intervention made all the difference.
“While we were able to stabilise Chris and take him to hospital, his coworkers’ quick response, their training, and having an AED on hand – without that, his outcome could have been very different,” she said.
Chris spent nearly two weeks in hospital recovering. Doctors confirmed he had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, but the cause remains unknown.
More than a year later, the father of four reunited with the ambulance crew to thank them and his colleagues.
“Thank you to the ambulance crew, and thank you to my colleagues at work,” he said.
The story highlights the life-saving impact of bystander CPR and AED use, the key focus of Restart a Heart Day (16 October 2025) — an annual campaign promoting community awareness about how to respond in a cardiac emergency.
Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival by 10%.
Responding paramedic Matthew Mallen said AEDs are designed for anyone to use, even without formal training.
“In Chris’ case, his colleagues’ familiarity with the AED and CPR gave them the confidence to step up and save a life,” he said.
Paramedic Harley Wagner encouraged everyone to know the basics of CPR and the location of AEDs in their community.
“When you’re out and about, it’s worth knowing where AEDs are — there are more of them now in community centres, sporting clubs and shopping areas,” he said.
AEDs can be located by Ambulance Tasmania call takers during a 000 call, or through the GoodSAM Responder app, which helps connect nearby responders and locate the closest defibrillators.
For more information, visit Ambulance Tasmania – GoodSAM Partnership | Tasmanian Department of Health.
Source: Tasmanian Department of Health – Ambulance Tasmania, Restart a Heart Day 2025
