Commissioner Dominic Morgan ASM, chief executive NSW Ambulance congratulates (left to right) Rod Yarnold, Daniel Jackson and Alan Steber (photo: Manning River Times)
Five Taree men have been recognised for their heroism after saving the life of a friend at a local tennis court.
As the Manning River Times report, it was the evening of August 11, 2014, where Rod Yarnold, then aged 57, was playing tennis at the Taree Tennis Courts when he was seen to trip over and collapse.
Whilst in some sports like soccer, taking a dive is common place, thankfully Rod’s playing partner, Daniel Jackson, recognised the severity of the situation and the need for urgent assistance.
Rod was found lying on the tennis court unconscious and not breathing, he had gone into cardiac arrest. Quick thinking Daniel sprung into action delivering CPR with compressions to Rod’s chest with combination of a “forehand and a backhand”.
Daniel was soon joined by a quartet of fellow racquet wielding first aiders including David Lawler, Alan Steber, Brian Alexander and David Coleman.
“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.” Daniel told the a Manning River Times.
Paramedics soon arrived, continued treatment and transported Rod to Manning Rural Referral Hospital and then on to Concord Hospital. For most people that suffer sudden cardiac arrest it’s typically game, set and match but remarkably Rod beat the odds and has since made a full recovery.
Recently, the five first aiders that came to Rod’s rescue and used simple but effective first aid to save the life of their mate have been recognised. They have been awarded Saviour Awards by Ambulance Service of NSW.
Reflecting upon that fateful day, Daniel is thankful to have completed a first aid course before the ordeal.
“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.”
You never know what life can “serve” up and it pays to be prepared like Daniel. If you would like to learn how to ace it and save the life of a friend or family member, enrol in one of our upcoming first aid courses in Taree or Port Macquarie
