Stanthorpe paramedics reunite with Lisa Jack after rare and risky procedure

Regional paramedics helped save the life of a 61-year-old Stanthorpe woman after she experienced her first cardiac event, thanks to a rare and risky medical procedure. Read about their emotional reunion here.

Lisa Jack (centre) was reunited with Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics Holly Patti and Emma Vaughan.

Stanthorpe Ambulance Station was the site of a heartfelt reunion between a cardiac patient and the treating officers, who provided what is known to be a rare and risky procedure, which ultimately saved the patient‘s life.

Exactly two weeks ago to the day, 61-year-old Stanthorpe woman Lisa Jack woke at 6am, experiencing her first ever cardiac event.

Thanks to quick-thinking and well-trained treating ambulance officers, Ms Jack managed to recover with next to no damage to her heart.

“I just woke up early that Friday morning not feeling well and (my partner) Nik (Hills) phoned triple-0,” Ms Jack said.

Stanthorpe Ambulance Station officers Holly Patti and Emma Vaughan were the first responders to the triple-0 call and after considerable medical assessment, gave Ms Jack a clot-busting drug, which fortunately prevented her from going into cardiac arrest.

“From a bystanders’ point of view, they did an amazing job. They were both so calming in the moment,” Mr Hills said.

Nik Hills (Lisa’s partner), Holly Patti, Lisa Jack (patient) and Emma Vaughan.

Despite both ambulance officers having extensive experience in the medical field, administering the lifesaving drug was a first for them due to the strict protocols and criteria that needed to be followed and met before the drug could ultimately be administered.

“There’s a significant risk of bleeding occurring with this type of drug, so we have to follow strict protocols to ensure criteria is met,” Ms Patti said.

The drug works to break up the blockage to the blood vessels in the body and these quick-thinking efforts of both ambulance officers were highly commended by doctors at a Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra hospital, where Lisa was rushed via an Rural Flying Doctor Service plane and later underwent a procedure to have a stent put in.

“It was quite a quick recovery. I was admitted Friday night and then discharged and back home in Stanthorpe by Sunday night,” Ms Jack said.

“Now I’m feeling fantastic.”

Both Ms Jack and Mr Hills were very grateful for the dedicated efforts and the care they received from the Stanthorpe ambulance officers and joked about renaming their first born after the officers.

“I know it sounds humorous, but we offer the biggest heartfelt thank you,” Mr Hills said.