Hills Shire police officers trialling defibrillators in police cars after helping save Lily McGowan’s life

When a two-year-old’s heart stopped beating, police officers who arrived at the scene feared she would not survive. Find out how this toddler’s near-death experience inspired a new life-saving initiative.

A two-year-old’s near death experience in north west Sydney has spurred police on to carry out a bold new trial, placing defibrillators in ten police cars for the first time.

When Lily McGowan, a two-year-old with a pre-existing heart condition, appeared to have a seizure in her car-seat, her mum, Sam, pulled over on a Castle Hill road and called triple-0.

Over the next 30 minutes, the toddler’s life hung in the balance as highway patrol officers performed CPR along with Lily’s mum.

Senior Constable Nicole Ziedan was one of the Hills Shire police officers who helped save Lily’s life. She spoke to The Hills Shire Times about the 30 minutes when they weren’t sure if Lily would pull through.

“(I remember feeling) immediately concerned for Lily given her medical history that was provided on the triple-0 call and then by the police radio operator,” Constable Ziedan said.

Lily McGowan with her mum Sam McGowan.

“(When we arrived we) realised Lily was not breathing, she was blue and she had no pulse and because of this, I had real concerns that she wasn’t going to make it,” she said.

Constable Ziedan and other police officers took over from Lily’s mum, Sam McGowen, and performed CPR for almost 30 minutes on the roadside until they felt Lily breathing. Lily was then taken to hospital and has made a full recovery.

Reunited with Lily from left to right: Superintendent Darrin Batchelor, Greg Page (from Heart Of The Nation Foundation), Lily McGowan, Lewis McGowan, Sam McGowan, Senior Constable Nicole Ziedan.

These defibrillators will now be rolled in Hills Shire police cars as part of a 12-month trial.

“She’s thriving, happy and she is now going to get to live a fulfilling life,” Constable Ziedan said. “It’s a great feeling.”

The Hills Police Area commander, Superintendent Darrin Batchelor, said Lily’s near death experience demonstrates how emergency service agencies will not hesitate to respond in life-threatening situations.

“It is the reality of policing that officers will be called to unfolding emergencies – including those where medical assistance is required. On this occasion, the actions of these officers may have saved Lily’s life,” Supt Batchelor said.

“We now have defibrillators in first response vehicles at The Hills Police Area Command that will enhance the vital first-aid treatment officers can provide before medical assistance arrives.”

The ten defibrillators will be part of a 12-month trial across The Hills Shire in an initiative to help save the lives of people — like Lily — who undergo cardiac arrest.