Jake Bacon, family thank Bundaberg RFDS for helping after heart attack

A nine-year-old Bundaberg boy, who dropped to the ground mid-soccer game after a shock heart attack, has had a heartwarming reunion with the rescue team who helped in the ‘very rare’ emergency.

Jake Bacon was only nine when he dropped to the ground with a heart attack mid soccer game in August last year.

He was flown to the Queensland Children’s Hospital where it was discovered he’d been born with a detached left coronary artery.

“They said it was a matter of when, not if,” Jake’s father Josh Bacon told the Bundaberg Newsmail

On Monday, having recovered after undergoing bypass surgery where an artery taken from his neck was used to bridge the gap, Jake and his family were reunited with the paramedics and Royal Flying Doctor Service rescue team who helped save his life.

Mr Bacon said while it was emotional and surreal to be back at the Bundaberg base, the family wanted to show their appreciation to the people who helped their son.

“If it didn’t all happen the way that it did, he wouldn’t be here today I don’t think …,” Mr Bacon said.

“Instead of running on one cylinder he’s running on two now.”

REUNION: Jake Bacon, alongside Josh and Juanita Bacon, met with the Royal Flying Doctor Service crew and Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic in a heart-warming reunion teaming with gratitude.

Bundaberg RFDS nurse manager Robyn Langton was the flight nurse on shift the night Jake was brought to the base. She met the Queensland Ambulance Service crew on the cold tarmac and took it from there.

Incredibly, her nine-year-old son plays in the same soccer league as Jake.

“I’ve been a nurse for over 20 years you do see lots of different things but it was a very special case,” Ms Langton said

“For a parent that’s quite overwhelming, but Josh was amazing.

“It’s not often that you take paediatric transfers for cardiac conditions like that down – it was quite serious and obviously did lead to critical care that was required down at Queensland Children’s (Hospital).

REUNION: Jake Bacon, alongside Josh and Juanita Bacon, met with the Royal Flying Doctor Service crew and Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic in a heart-warming reunion teaming with gratitude.

Queensland Ambulance Service’s Anthony Fletcher was part of the crew sent to treat Jake at the soccer field.

“We were called to an unconscious 9-year-old male that had collapsed,” he said.

“So when we arrived we were surprised that he was unconscious because it’s very rare for that kind of situation to happen.”

Now, Jake has to go to regular check-ups and is on Aspirin – but that doesn’t mean he’s slowing down.

Already, he is back on the soccer field and motocross track.

Jake said it was stressful, having to lay in a bed for a long time but was grateful for everyone’s help on that night and throughout his recovery.