FIVE Taree men have received NSW Ambulance Saviour Awards for being heroes after saving the life of a friend in 2014.
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On the evening of August 11, 2014, Rod Yarnold, then aged 57, was playing tennis at the Taree Tennis Courts when he collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest.
“I was running back chasing a tennis ball when I just blacked out,” Rod recalled.
His tennis partner Daniel Jackson initiated the CPR before being joined by tennis mates David Lawler, Alan Steber, Brian Alexander and David Coleman, who assisted until paramedics arrived.
Daniel said he initially thought Rod had tripped and fallen before establishing he was in trouble.
“He stopped breathing and I realised we had to do something. We started CPR as quick as we could.
“I started out initially with the compressions but then we all just worked together. Someone was on the phone talking to Triple Zero (000); another was counting the compressions. We all assisted.”
Rod was treated by paramedics Trudy Martin, Henry Zuiderwyk and David O’Connell before being transported by road ambulance to Manning Hospital. He was airlifted to Concord Hospital where he was placed in an induced coma.
Rod’s wife Rhonda, who nominated the awards, said it was not until later they learned that the chance of surviving an out-of-hospital arrest was less than 10 per cent.
“It was quite upsetting to learn how close he came. I cried for a long time afterwards,” she said.
“That’s why I made the nominations; I don’t think the guys know what a great job they did. It’s my way of thanking them because I think they need to be recognised.”
The men later reunited to assist their local Rotary clubs in launching a CPR program.
Rod, a grandfather of two with another grandchild due in October, is back playing tennis.
He expressed gratitude for his tennis mates.
“I see these men every week at tennis and it is very hard. How do I ever repay what they have done for me? I always shake their hand to express my gratitude.”
Rod was recognised with a Cardiac Arrest Survivor Award, and was present alongside Daniel Jackson and Alan Steber at NSW Ambulance’s most significant event – Appreciation Day, which was held on June 29 at St Ives Ambulance Station, and attended by Jillian Skinner, Minister for Health, and Commissioner Dominic Morgan ASM, Chief Executive NSW Ambulance.
Evan Clark, superintendent zone manager, Mid-North Coast, said Rod’s survival highlighted the need for people to act immediately by contacting Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance, and commencing CPR.
“Rod is extremely fortunate these men were there and knew what they were doing,” he said.
“Starting CPR as soon as someone goes into cardiac arrest is essential to ensuring a good outcome. It means the patient is given the best chance of survival.
“Even if you don’t have any training, our Triple Zero (000) call takers can provide direction until paramedics arrive.”
Daniel said he was thankful to have done a first aid course and subsequent refreshers through work. “It wasn’t something I ever thought I’d need to use. The first aid training definitely helped. If I hadn’t done that training through work I don’t know how I would have reacted. I wouldn’t have known what to do.”
“I am very lucky to be here. It is very important that CPR is started straight away. The fact that my friends did this is the reason I am here fully recovered and enjoying every day,” added Rod.
A highlight of NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day was announcement of the Minister’s third annual Bursary Award, presented to Rockdale-based specialist paramedic Peter Economou.