Mandurah lifeguards recognised for saving unconscious man at Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards

Friday, 4 October 2024 11:47

By Monique Welhan

The Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation team. PIC: Supplied

Four lifeguards who saved a man after he suffered a heart attack while swimming at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) have been recognised at the Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards.

Debbie Gillard, Kate Chaisty, Ryan Felton and Phillip David were four of 57 people who had shown extraordinary bravery in saving a life.

They were honoured at the prestigious event, hosted at the State Reception Centre in Kings Park, on Friday.

Debbie, Kate, Ryan and Phillip sprung into action while on duty at the MARC back in May.

A patron, Heinz, had fallen unconscious while swimming in the program pool.

They managed to remove him from the water using a spinal board before Kate and Debbie performed compressions while Phil and Ryan provided ventilations with a bag mask.

The team worked seamlessly to resuscitate Heinz, administering two shocks via the defibrillator and performing continuous CPR.

He regained a pulse before the ambulance arrived, but the team continued to provide oxygen and monitor him until paramedics took over.  

It was later established Heinz had suffered a massive heart attack.

Speaking to West Coast Radio, Debbie said it was the best outcome they could have asked for when Heinz made a full recovery.

"It was an absolute amazing, emotional, happy feeling to see him walk around and come and see us along with his family," she said.

"It's a credit to all of us and just thanking the lucky stars that he made it." 

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