Shayne recalls “enjoying a wonderful meal on board when a gentleman at a nearby table suddenly suffered a heart attack and fell to the floor. The room went into complete shock and time seemed to stand still.”
Shayne was able to rapidly assess the situation. The man was lying lifeless on the floor with no pulse and not breathing. Before Shayne knew it, instincts and training kicked in and he found himself performing CPR.
The cruise liner staff could only watch on in amazement as Shayne compressed the man’s chest trying in vain to bring him back to life. After frantically working on the man for some time, Shayne managed to get a pulse.
Finally the medical team and the ship’s doctor arrived to assist in preparation to take the patient ashore. Upon arrival the man arrested again but he was in good hands and the medical team was able to revive him again.
The ship’s doctor was courteous enough to later find Shayne and give him an update of the man’s condition and said that he was still in hospital, but stable.
The captain of the ship was very grateful and insisted Shayne received a free glass of wonderful wine. Shayne was hoping for a free cruise or maybe a room upgrade, but upon further reflection what’s more rewarding than saving someone’s life?
Shayne would like to remind fellow members that his First Aid training he first learnt in the Royal Australian Navy and then followed up by refresher courses with Coast Guard is an invaluable skill set that must be kept up to date. You never know when you are going to need it.
By Jean-Francois Barallon
Flotilla Media Liaison Officer – VF7 Carrum
Phone: 0400 463 910
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