Community Firefighters Save Man After Major Heart Attack in Rural Australia

In the quiet village of Bundanoon, nestled in the NSW Southern Highlands, a potentially tragic event unfolded, only to be averted by the swift and dedicated actions of local firefighters. Brett Hesse, a 62-year-old resident, collapsed at home with a severe heart attack, his life hanging in the balance as the nearest ambulance was a daunting 30 minutes away. In such critical moments, time is of the essence, and the presence of trained Community First Responders (CFR) proved to be the crucial difference between life and death.

“

I felt a pain in my chest … and then I saw the black.

Fortunately, firefighters Tony Greenwood and Roberto Gnecchi-Ruscone, both trained as CFRs, were dispatched immediately. They arrived promptly, assessing Mr. Hesse's vitals and initiating life-saving procedures. Mr. Hesse vividly recalls the intensity of the situation, including the forceful chest compressions that were necessary because his heart had stopped for several minutes. He expressed profound gratitude, recognizing the "perfect storm" of skilled personnel and essential equipment that was ready and waiting.

“

The firies were relatively quick, spread all their equipment out and started going through the process of checking all my vitals.

This incident powerfully highlights the invaluable role of the CFR program, established by NSW Ambulance approximately two decades ago. Operating in 13 small or isolated communities across NSW, including Bundanoon, the program trains emergency personnel to provide immediate critical care. Firefighter Tony Greenwood noted that a significant portion of their local calls are medical emergencies, and the CFR role, while adding complexity, is immensely satisfying as it allows them to make a tangible difference in patient outcomes.

“

Next thing I know I'm telling someone to get off my chest because they're breaking my ribs.

Paramedics Michael Suen and Matthew Howe arrived as Mr. Hesse regained consciousness, facilitating his transport to Liverpool Hospital for further treatment. Mr. Hesse, a former professional tennis player who maintained a healthy lifestyle, was understandably shocked by the event but is now recovering, a testament to the effectiveness of the CFR initiative. This story is a powerful reminder of the dedication of our emergency services and the vital importance of community-based first response programs in saving lives, especially in regional areas where response times can be a significant challenge.

“

That's because my heart had apparently stopped for at least five minutes.