Quick thinking, expert caresaves golfer’s life

RON Adams is grateful to be alive after suffering a cardiac arrest at Midlands Golf Club, thanks to the quick actions of bystanders and Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics.

What started as an ordinary day quickly turned into a life-or-death situation when 74-year-old Mr Adams, who works part-time at the club’s pro shop, began feeling dizzy, short of breath, and experiencing tingling in both arms.

As his symptoms worsened, club professional Michael Cooke knew something wasn’t right.

“I offered to drive Ron home, but knew he was in a bit of strife when he said to call Triple Zero,” Mr Cooke said.

Within minutes, AV paramedics Nick and Nathan arrived to find Mr Adams pale and sweaty.

Moments later, he lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest.

“We immediately moved Ron to the ground and started CPR,” paramedic Nick said.

“We delivered a shock with the defibrillator, and within minutes, he had a pulse again.”

After regaining consciousness, an electrocardiogram confirmed Mr Adams had suffered an anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a severe type of heart attack.

He was given life-saving medication and transported to Ballarat Base Hospital, where he was taken straight to the cardiac catheterisation lab.

Mr Adams’s wife, Jennifer, arrived at the club just in time to witness the terrifying ordeal.

“I was in complete shock,” Ms Adams said. “One moment, he was talking to me, and the next, I saw him collapse.

“I can’t thank the paramedics enough for saving his life.”

Mr Adams underwent emergency treatment, including the insertion of two stents to restore blood flow.

Now on the road to recovery, he is undergoing cardiac rehabilitation and making lifestyle changes to support his health.

“I was incredibly lucky,” he said. “Had I gone home instead of staying at the club, I wouldn’t be here today.

“The paramedics, the club staff, and everyone who helped – they gave me a second chance.”

Paramedic Nathan emphasised the importance of early intervention in cardiac arrests.

“Immediate CPR and defibrillation can mean the difference between life and death,” he said. “Ron’s story highlights why it’s so important to call Triple Zero straight away and start CPR if someone collapses.”

Mr Adams is now back at Midlands Golf Club, sharing his story with friends and encouraging others to learn CPR.

“If you don’t know CPR, get trained,” he said. “You never know when you might save a life – maybe even your own mate’s.”