10/16/2025
In September 2024, Chris suddenly collapsed at work but lucky for him, his colleagues at Aurora Energy knew what to do.
They jumped into action and performed CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) while Chris was in cardiac arrest.
“One of the key reasons why I am here is that people were there straight away to provide first aid and keep the blood flowing,” he said.
Ambulance Tasmania paramedics quickly arrived at the scene and provided immediate care before taking him to hospital.
“While we were able to stabilise Chris and transport him to definitive care, his coworkers’ early intervention, the good training they all received and having the AED availability – without that, his outcome could have been very different,” Cairine Coleman-Metcalfe said.
“Thank you to the ambulance crew, thank you to my colleagues at work,” Chris said, sharing his gratitude in a reunion with some of the paramedics on Monday.
The impact of bystander intervention when someone in cardiac arrest is the key focus of Restart a Heart Day today – an annual campaign to raise awareness and educate the community about CPR and AEDs.
Every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest, not receiving CPR or AED shock, chances of survival drop by 10%. That’s why it is critical that people CALL (ring 000), PUSH (perform CPR), SHOCK (use AED if available).
“AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them, with or without any formal training. In the case of Chris’ colleagues, being familiar with how an AED works and completing CPR and AED training provided that extra bit of confidence to step up and help save his life,” said Matthew Mallen – responding Intensive Care Paramedic.
AEDs can be located by Ambulance Tasmania call takers when you call 000 but also through the GoodSAM Responder phone app. Learn more here: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/goodSAM
Read Chris’ full story here: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/news-sajari/news/paramedics-praise-mans-colleagues-using-aed-and-cpr-help-save-his-life
Image: Cairine Coleman-Metcalfe (paramedic), Chris James (cardiac arrest survivor), Matthew Mallen (Intensive Care Paramedic), and Harley Wagner (paramedic).
