Paramedics save son’s life after asthma attack on Dad’s birthday
May 3, 2024in News
Swan Reach father Adrian Galiazzo described his last birthday as a day he “won’t forget” after watching paramedics save his son’s life following a severe asthma attack.
Adrian and sons Gabriel, 16 and Giordi, 14, were enjoying a balmy Labour Day evening swim at the Lakes Entrance main beach when Giordi unexpectedly went into respiratory distress.
“We were about to leave when my youngest son started to experience a tightening of his chest. He’d inhaled some sea water in the surf, and it triggered his asthma,” Adrian said.
L-R: Galiazzo family – Melina, Giordi, Gabriel and Adrian
Adrian ran back to his car to retrieve Giordi’s Ventolin but was unable to find it. As Giordi fought to breathe, Gabriel called Triple Zero (000) and asked for an ambulance.
Within minutes Ambulance Victoria (AV) ALS (Advanced Life Support) crews arrived at the scene and began treating Giordi as his condition continued to deteriorate.
With Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics at the scene and an air ambulance dispatched, paramedics worked on Giordi and were preparing to stabilise him to be able to fly him to hospital when he began responding positively to the treatment.
He was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he went on to surprise medical staff by making a fast recovery — a testament to the pre-hospital care he received.
On Friday 3rd May, Giordi returned to the Lakes Entrance beach alongside his family to thank the paramedics who saved his life.
“It means the world to be able to thank them – I can’t thank them enough,” Adrian said.
“We wouldn’t have him without the paramedics; it was that close.
“For me it’s a second chance to have our son back. They worked so hard to save my son’s life, the greatest gift any father could receive on their birthday.”
The reunion took place ahead of World Asthma Day which is held on Tuesday, 7 May to raise awareness of asthma worldwide.
Asthma is common patient presentation which AV paramedics respond to in the community, with 11.4 per cent of the Victorian population diagnosed with the condition.
Between 2016-2021 across Australia, more than 40 per cent of asthma hospitalisations were in children.
L-R: MICA paramedics Mark Fischer and Glenn Lazzaro, Giordi and ALS paramedics Alex Borg and Lisa Le Sage
Giordi said meeting the paramedics who saved his life was a great experience.
“I remember I got out of the water and it was hard to breathe and then I remember being in an ambulance and in a helicopter,” he said.
“I’m glad I was able to thank them for saving my life.”
Adrian said he thinks of the paramedics as “heroes” after watching them collaborate to save Giordi.
Paramedics Lisa and Alex acted lightning fast to administer everything they could to open his airways,” Adrian said.
“Without these angels, my son would have died.”
MICA and flight paramedics arrived to help stabilise Giordi so he could be flown to hospital for further treatment. AV MICA Flight Paramedic Cat Mackay said she was preparing to intubate Giordi as air ambulance touched down.
“From our dispatch it sounded like Giordi was really sick so we were preparing to intubate him, but it was a surprise and a relief to see him awake and speaking after responding well to the treatment from crews on scene.
Adrian said watching his son fly away in the air ambulance was difficult.
“By that stage he was awake and breathing and I knew he was in good hands,” he said.
Paramedic Lisa Le Sage said all paramedics who treated Giordi were pleased to hear the good news of his recovery.
“Having someone call for ambulance quickly was really the start,” she said.
“We often don’t get updated on a patient’s outcome after our treatment, so it’s really nice to receive the good news.”
Adrian said he was also proud of his eldest son Gabriel for calling Triple Zero (000) and staying calm throughout the emergency.
“Giordi is really strict now with his preventer now, we don’t have to remind him about it,” he said.
You can protect yourself and those in your care by calling Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever puffer is not available.
Wherever possible, asthma prevention is better than cure. You can also:
- Take your preventative medication as directed, even when you’re symptom free;
- Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack.
- Have an up-to-date asthma action plan.
- Know asthma first aid.
Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor if you require medical advice.