Cohuna cardiac arrest survival shows impact of bystander CPR

October 10, 2024 | in News, Shocktober 2024

Paramedics and Ambulance Victoria (AV) First Responders have praised a Cohuna farmhand for saving his dad’s life, saying his quick thinking to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sets an example for the community this Shocktober.

Chris Marino, 33, had just finished his first day of a new job and a celebratory home dinner with his parents when his dad Tony, 65, slumped unconscious in his chair.

He was in cardiac arrest.

“I heard dad make this strange snore,” Chris said.

“I tried to wake him up but he wouldn’t, and then he started to turn grey from his neck up to his lips.

“I realised something bad was going on, so I put him on the ground and started CPR.”

It had been about a decade since Chris had undertaken any CPR training, but he knew he had no choice but to take action to save his dad’s life.

“I didn’t know what I was doing, I was freaking out but I just pushed hard and fast,” Chris said.

Chris’ mum Deirdre was also home at the time and called Triple Zero (000).

Several AV crews rushed to Tony’s aid, with Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics, as well as Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs), working together to help save Tony’s life.

They immediately shocked Tony with a defibrillator, and the beloved father and grandfather regained consciousness.

ACO Paul Nicoll said Chris and Tony’s story shows you don’t have to be an expert to save a life.

“In a cardiac arrest, for every minute that CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent,” Paul said.

“This means bystander intervention has the greatest impact on improving someone’s chance of surviving.

“Without a doubt, Chris is to thank for his dad’s survival and great recovery.

“It shows that anyone can give CPR – you don’t need to have had recent training – simply push hard and fast on the middle of the chest.”

Tony reunited with members of the AV crews who cared for him as part of Shocktober, which is a month-long campaign encouraging community members to learn what to do if they witness a cardiac arrest.

“This Shocktober, our message is that you don’t have to be a paramedic – anyone can save a life,” Paul said.

“We call on all Victorians to learn these three simple steps: Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform hands-only CPR), Shock (use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available).”

Deirdre said she was blown away by her son’s life-saving ability.

“It was shocking, it was the worst thing you can experience,” she said.

“It was the first time Chris had to perform CPR and he was marvellous.

“Without his quick thinking, we would have lost Tony.”

Tony thanked the paramedics who helped save his life and had a special mention for his son.

“Chris is my hero,” he said.

“Without him, I wouldn’t be here at the moment.”

For Chris, the reality of how life could have changed hit hard and he said it means the world to still have his dad around.

“I couldn’t sleep for a while afterwards, it messes with your mind,” he said.

“My kids love their pa – to lose him would devastate them.

“I’ve always had my dad around and at the end of the day, he’s my best friend.”

Around 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive, which is why it’s crucial that people jump in and take action, like Chris did.

Around 80 per cent of cardiac arrests happen at home, which is why knowing CPR can make the difference in saving the life of a loved one.

Consider signing up as a GoodSAM responder – it’s a smartphone app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with nearby members in the community who are willing to start CPR before paramedics arrive.

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