Cobden grandmother’s number not up yet
August 19, 2024in News
A humble bingo caller has been hailed a hero, springing into action to save the life of one of his players when she suffered a cardiac arrest mid-game.
Cobden grandmother Anne Frencham was attending the weekly match in May when she suddenly “fell down, dead”.
L-R: ACO Steven Douglas, Ken Coverdale, Anne Frencham and ACO Sam Matafonov.
Local man and bingo caller, Ken Coverdale didn’t think twice before springing into action, starting CPR on Anne and calling for someone to bring him an automated external defibrillator (AED).
“I had done a few CPR courses over the years through the rural fire brigade and while travelling, and I knew it was important to also use an AED,” Mr Coverdale said.
“As soon as the AED arrived, we put it on Anne and when the lightning bolt button came on, we stood back while it shocked her, and I then continued with the CPR.”
Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) Sam Matafonov was first to arrive on the scene along with his partner Steven.
“When we arrived, Ken was doing good CPR and we could see that Anne had already received a shock,” Mr Matafonov said.
“We started providing care for Anne and it wasn’t long after that she suddenly opened her eyes, we just couldn’t believe it.
“It just shows how important that early bystander intervention is and what an incredible job Ken had done.”
Paramedics arrived a short time later and Anne was transported by road and then air to Geelong University Hospital for treatment.
Three months on, Anne is well on the way to feeling herself and was able to thank Ken in person for “saving her life”.
“To see him and think that without you, I wouldn’t be here was really something,” Anne said.
“My family was also able to say thank you and give him a big hug.
“I was also able to thank the First Responders who all kept saying how well I looked.”
Ambulance Victoria Area Manager Ben Francis said Ken’s early intervention starting CPR and using an AED had made all the difference for Anne.
“Early intervention is critical to survive a cardiac arrest with survival decreasing by 10 per cent every minute CPR is delayed,” Mr Francis said.
“Ken’s actions demonstrate that anyone, not just paramedics can save a life, simply by knowing CPR and where the closest AED is located.
“It’s wonderful to see Anne doing so well just a couple of months on and we would like to congratulate Ken on the fantastic job he did saving Anne’s life.”
To learn CPR or find where you closest AED is located, visit Call, Push, Shock.