Wife’s CPR training saves her husband’s life

July 29, 2024 | in News

After undergoing years of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for work, Alison Silva never thought the first time she’d use her skills would be to help save her husband’s life.

Gaston Silva, 50, was at home with his wife and children when he went into cardiac arrest in April last year.

Alison said she thought he was sleeping on the couch when she realised he wasn’t breathing.

“I just heard him make this noise like he was gasping for air and when I turned around, he was unconscious,” she said.

A man and a woman are holding hands, flanked by a group of paramedics by the side of an ambulance.

Paramedics and FRV crews were happy to see Gaston and Alison Silva (middle) on 18 July.

Wasting no time, Alison jumped into action, calling Triple Zero, getting her children to help move Gaston onto the floor and starting compressions.

Paramedics and Fire Rescue Victoria attended the scene and took over CPR, before Gaston was transported to hospital where he stayed for around 12 days.

With Gaston now back at home and recovering well, the couple reunited with the first responders who helped save his life, on 18 July.

“They were incredible and are the reason Gaston’s still here today. I take my hat off to all of them,” Alison said.

They also wanted to encourage others to learn CPR and be aware of their nearest automated external defibrillator (AED).

“I’m a teacher so I’ve had eight years of CPR training, so it helped me feel more confident to jump into action,” Alison said.

“I would recommend everyone get CPR training and know where to find the nearest AED.

“It’s lifesaving and doing something is better than doing nothing.

“We’re just regular people and I never thought anything like this would happen to us, but it has. It’s just so important to know what to do.”

A man and a woman are holding hands, flanked by a group of paramedics by the rear of an ambulance.

Gaston and Alison Silva (right) reunited with the FRV and AV crews who helped Gaston last year.

Every day, around 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest but only one in 10 survive.

Early intervention is critical with survival decreasing by 10 per cent every minute CPR is delayed.

Ambulance Victoria Acting Sunbury Team Manager Jamie Joseph responded to Gaston’s case and said knowing CPR, how to use an AED and where your closest defibrillator is located are simple steps that could save a life.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms,” he said.

“Gaston is lucky his family jumped into action and started the chain of survival prior to first responders arriving on scene. They helped save his life.”

“Our message is simple – you don’t need to be a paramedic to help someone in cardiac arrest, just remember to Call (Call Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).”

Mr Joseph also encouraged anyone who knows CPR to register with the GoodSAM responder app, which does not require a first aid qualification to join.

“GoodSAM is a mobile app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with people who are nearby and willing to start hands-only CPR before paramedics arrive,” he said.

“It will also guide them to the closest registered defibrillator.”

Visit Register My AED to register your AED and see other registered devices in your area.

Click to learn more about Call, Push, Shock.