Quick thinking Frankston wife saves husband’s life
February 27, 2024in News
A Frankston father is lucky to be alive after suffering a cardiac arrest at home in September last year.
Forty-two-year-old Duncan Rodger was asleep when his wife Kim realised something was wrong and called Triple Zero (000).
Kim said she noticed her husband was breathing oddly and his skin was changing colour, so she called Triple Zero (000).
“While I was on the phone to Triple Zero, Duncan stopped breathing. I had to start CPR straight away,” Kim said.
“I never thought the first time I did CPR would be on my husband.”
Kim said she performed CPR for more than eight minutes before AV paramedics and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters arrived.
Duncan, Kim, and their children with the paramedics and firefighters who helped save Duncan’s life.
MICA Paramedic Nathan Greenland said that Kim’s quick actions undoubtedly helped save her husband’s life.
“Kim recognised something wasn’t right and she started the first part of the chain of survival by calling Triple Zero early and starting CPR until help could arrive,” Nathan said.
“It’s great to know that Duncan is now home and his kids have their dad back.”
Duncan reunited with the paramedics and firefighters who helped saved his life and said he is grateful.
“I wouldn’t be back home spending time with my family if it weren’t for them,” Duncan said.
“My wife as well is the reason I’m still here. They all worked together to help me, and I can’t put into words just how thankful I am.”
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.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters work together to respond to critical medical emergencies under the Emergency Medical Response (EMR) partnership.
EMR is an integral part of Victoria’s world-class response to patients in cardiac arrest, improving health outcomes in the community.