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Acting as a linesman at his son’s rugby game, Vaughan was used to running up and down the pitch for 80 minutes. As well as volunteering as a linesman, Vaughan would also help as an umpire for cricket games. Although he wasn’t actively playing sports, Vaughan often went for runs and was considered relatively fit and healthy,

But this time, after the game ended, Vaughan went over to his wife Rhonda and his daughter Shelby, saying he didn’t feel well.

When Shelby asked him what was wrong, he couldn’t explain it so Shelby wondered if “he might just be tired from running around so I suggested he sit down and drink some water”.

Vaughan explained he was “feeling a bit funny but couldn’t pinpoint what was happening”. When Shelby asked if he had chest or arm pain, he wasn’t sure, so she asked Rhonda to take him to the hospital “just to be safe”.

As Vaughan and Rhonda walked to the car, Shelby heard her mum screaming her name. When she ran over, her mum yelled “it’s dad”.

Vaughan had collapsed, face-down – he was having a sudden cardiac arrest [the sudden loss of all heart activity].

When minutes count

Shelby turned Vaughan onto his side to clear the foam that was coming from his mouth and then turned him onto his back.

Shelby recalls that her dad “wasn’t breathing and his lips were turning blue. I knew I had to start CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation – a vital life-saving action anyone can perform on a person having a cardiac arrest that gives them the best chance of survival]. I shouted for someone to call an ambulance. An ex-police officer appeared, and he took over chest compressions”.

As Shelby and the ex-police officer performed CPR, Shelby remembers “people around us started offering help and I remember thinking, ‘I just need to keep dad alive’. It was a blur, but I refused to give up”.

Wellington Free Ambulance arrived, and our paramedics quickly took over, using an AED [automated external defibrillator – a device that analyses the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to help the heart get back to its natural rhythm] and intubating Vaughan.

Shelby explains “the relief I felt when the paramedics arrived was a feeling like no other. Although I knew that there was still no guarantee that it was going to be a positive outcome, I felt better knowing that he was in the hands of professionals, although still so incredibly grateful for everyone who stepped up to help until the paramedics arrived.”

The paramedics worked hard to stabilise Vaughan so he could be transported to hospital.

But he had another cardiac arrest in the ambulance and then a third at the hospital.

Beating the odds

Shelby remembers “the doctors told us dad’s chances of survival were slim. We were heartbroken, but we stayed hopeful.

Once dad was stable, we were allowed to see him. Mum and I kissed him, and I whispered, ‘fight hard, dad’. And fight he did.”

It took over two weeks, but Vaughan woke up from his coma.

That wasn’t the end of Vaughan’s fight for survival. He developed pneumonia and faced many setbacks.

But against all odds, Vaughan survived.

“Doctors later told us that the survival rate for a major cardiac arrest like dad’s is only 6%”, Shelby says.

There’s a chain of survival for surviving sudden cardiac arrests. It includes recognising early what’s happening; prompt calling of 111; CPR and the use of an AED without delay; and professional advanced medical care.

For Vaughan, this chain was unbroken, giving him the best chance possible of survival.

‘Forever grateful’

Shelby has been deeply impacted by what happened to her dad Vaughan, and the medical care provided by our paramedics.

She explains that “seeing how life-saving skills made a difference in my dad’s survival, I knew I wanted to teach others those same skills. I became a certified First Aid and CPR instructor and have been teaching for over three years. I run free courses for young people in the school holidays through my workplace [a youth one stop shop]. I believe these skills are essential for everyone to know because you never know when you might need them.

My dad’s survival is a reminder of the importance of being prepared.”

Reflecting on their Wellington Free Ambulance experience, Shelby says “we’re forever grateful to the Wellington Free Ambulance team, the doctors who worked tirelessly to save him, and the nurses who cared for him with such dedication”.

Rhonda says, "I was so relieved to see the paramedics when they arrived. They were excellent. They handled Vaughan with sensitivity and care. I remember that one of the paramedics was lovely; very professional, sensitive and reassuring. I think he knew I was in shock, so he explained what was happening and what the paramedics were doing with Vaughan. He made sure I was okay when we got to the hospital. I am extremely grateful for him and the other paramedics. We're also grateful to ICU [Intensive Care Unit] staff, doctors and specialists as well as everyone who helped prior to Vaughan going to hospital."

Vaughan says, “When I look back at that time, I’m so thankful to Shelby, members of the public, the paramedics and the doctors and nurses who kept me alive. The ICU staff at Wellington Hospital were amazing. Their care and compassion was outstanding. The love and support from my wife and family through the darkest times and throughout my recovery has been incredible.”

If you’d like to help save a life, learn CPR and how to use an AED – free of charge – with our The Lloyd Morrison Foundation Heartbeat CPR training programme.