When seconds count

Jeremy, who works at Mico’s Kāpiti branch, is incredibly grateful to Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics Ben and Bronwyn for saving his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the way to Wellington hospital.

A real-life account of how a Mico team member’s life was on the line from a cardiac arrest—and why CPR and defibrillator training is so important.

When Jeremy drove home from refereeing a football match one Sunday afternoon, he felt a strange tightness in his chest. The pain was concerning, but it only lasted 10 minutes or so and he didn’t think much more of it.

The next morning, as Jeremy got up for work at his local Mico Kāpiti branch in Paraparaumu, he felt the same pain. Again, it only lasted for a short time so he continued getting ready.

He arrived at work around 8.30am and the pain returned. This time it was quite severe and he had to sit down.

“I could feel a tingling sensation in both arms and I said to my boss, ‘This is not good’,” recalls Jeremy, who’s 64. “I phoned the Team Medical health centre, and they advised I should call an ambulance if it continued, which was good advice, but because they are only five minutes down the road, my boss drove me down to get checked out.”

Calling the ambulance

By the time, Jeremy arrived at the health centre, he was complaining of quite severe central chest pain. The GP did some immediate treatment but called for an urgent ambulance to transport Jeremy to Wellington hospital for further specialist treatment.

Paramedics Bronwyn and Ben were the ones to respond from Wellington Free Ambulance. They assessed Jeremy and proceeded to move him into the ambulance. Jeremy’s pain had subsided but both Bronwyn and Ben knew he needed to go to hospital for further tests.

Ben took another look at what Jeremy’s heart was doing. The ECG test showed

some changes that Ben wanted to look into, but he advised Bronwyn that she could start driving towards Wellington.

Jeremy was relaxed and chatty as they set off, which was a good sign. But as Ben started to relay the ECG changes to Bronwyn, he noticed that Jeremy had gone rigid and was breathing abnormally.

Jeremy’s vital signs were not good. It showed his heart had gone into a ventricular tachycardia: a fast and very abnormal heartrate.

Bronwyn pulled over and went to assist Ben. Because Jeremy was unresponsive, this confirmed he was having a cardiac arrest. Bronwyn and Ben applied the pads and shocked Jeremy’s heart using the defibrillator.

Fortunately, Jeremy’s heartrate reverted back to a normal rhythm after one shock and he did not require CPR.

Early recognition is key

Both Ben and Bronwyn explain this highlights the importance of immediate intervention and how it can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival. The truth is that, without expert medical care of the Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics and the essential, life-saving defibrillator in the ambulance, Jeremy would not have survived.

“During a cardiac arrest, time is of high importance. It is a critical event in which seconds count,” says Bronwyn. “The high level of clinical care is important as the chain of survival involves two key elements—early recognition, early defibrillation,” Bronwyn says.

Most often a cardiac arrest is sudden and unexpected. For every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest and not receiving CPR or AED shock, chances of survival drop by 10%. That is why everyone should know CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] and how to use an AED [automated external defibrillator] in our communities.”

“Emergencies of this acuity are what our job is primarily all about,” says Ben. “They give us the opportunity to directly influence the patient’s outcome in a positive way. It is a rare privilege to be able to speak to a patient who was as sick as Jeremy was and see him continue his life with his family. It’s a reminder of why we do the job.”

Listen to your body

Jeremy is on the road to recovery and is now back to work; he is also slowly getting back into refereeing football games.

FIRST AID COURSE DISCOUNTS

Members of Master Plumbers can access a 5% discount on New Zealand Red Cross first aid courses when they book at https://first-aid.redcross.org.nz. Just enter the coupon code, available in the member area of the Master Plumbers website, under Health & Safety.

DID YOU KNOW?

It was international Restart a Heart Day on 16 October. Find practical advice and survivor stories at restartaheart.net

Like the thousands of patients helped by Wellington Free Ambulance crews before him, Jeremy is incredibly grateful.

“I consider myself reasonably fit,” he says. “I’m a football referee and had previously been given the all clear from the doctor. The lesson is, listen to your body. Don’t have a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude—seek help if you’re unwell.

“It’s pretty scary to know my life was on the line but I’m extremely grateful to the wonderful paramedics in the ambulance who saved my life. I will be forever grateful to the team at Wellington Free Ambulance, and Team Medical,” Jeremy says.

These days, Jeremy says his view on life is that every day is a bonus—and he doesn’t sweat the small stuff. “I’ve been given a second chance at life.”

If you’d like to help Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics continue to provide the highest level of clinical care in the prehospital, ambulance environment, you can donate at www.wfa.org.nz/donate

We’re Hiring!

Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Tutor

• Auckland based • Great salary and generous benefits Coaching talent to become Tradies for the future probably isn’t the move you’ve thought about. What better way to down your tools and move into a role ensuring a secure and steady future. Our tutors all come from the industry — certified like you, wanting a change! You could be self-employed or maybe you’ve already coached a team of apprentices. We’ll give you all the training you need to stand confidently in our classroom and deliver practical hands-on teaching and assessment. Contact Dean on 0272825368 deanh@frogrecruitment.co.nz

We’re Hiring

Foleys are currently looking for Plumbers and/or Gasfitters in Queenstown, Alexandra, Ranfurly, Oamaru, Palmerston North, Putāruru and Dunedin. If you’re keen for a change of scenery and want to come and live the dream in one of these great locations, head to our website and click on We’re Hiring. We’ve been around since 1934 and have 12 branches across NZ. For the right person, we can provide flexible options and possibly relocation assistance. If you’d like to chat to the Branch Manager, all their details are available online. www.foleys.co.nz

The cost to place a classified advertisement is $120+GST for Master Plumbers members; $200+GST for non-members. Email advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz

Helping you choose the right products

• Built to last • Reputable suppliers • Stylish and functional • Manufacturer’s warranty

Master Plumbers 2021 Plumbing Product of the Year KOHLER MallecoTM Touchless Kitchen Mixer

We put each and every Master Plumbers’ Recommends plumbing product to the test. When the product has met all the requirements, then it gets our tick of approval. Helping you to choose plumbing products that are right for your home.