High school student Kiri Ferres-Jones recognised for her bravery after saving woman’s life
A 17-year-old Melbourne high school student whose quick-thinking helped save another woman’s life in Ferntree Gully has won an award for her incredible bravery.
A 17-year-old Melbourne high school student whose quick-thinking helped save another woman’s life is being recognised for her incredible bravery.
High school student Kiri Ferres-Jones came across a woman unconscious with a severe leg injury at Market Fair in Ferntree Gully in June 2024.
While others watched on, Kiri stepped in to perform CPR, restore the woman’s breathing, treat her injuries, and direct bystanders until paramedics arrived.
“I just saw the lady collapse so I ran over and I see a heap of blood, she had fallen over and hit something … I was worried because of the amount of blood,” Miss Ferres-Jones said.
“I had my hand over her leg trying to put pressure on it … I was on call with the ambulance as she fell unconscious.”
After trying unsuccessfully to wake her, Kiri then performed CPR before she woke, remarking how shocking it was when she came back to life.
Thanks to Kiri’s calm and decisive actions, the woman survived.
“Im so glad that the ambulance people informed Kiri that she’d kept the lady alive and that Kiri was able to act. I’m extraordinarily proud and impressed that she acted so calmly,” mother Julianne said.
St John’s Ambulance labelled her bravery and first aid skills as ‘remarkable’.
Kiri was one of the five Victorians to win a First Aid Champion Award given out by St John’s Ambulance Victoria on Tuesday, which highlighted people for their selfless efforts in a first aid emergency. There were also four honourable mentions recognised on the day.
“Each of them took action when it counted, and in doing so, they’ve shown what’s possible when people are equipped with the right knowledge and the courage to step in,” St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright said.
“Our award recipients are powerful reminders of why first aid education matters … we want more Victorians to feel that same confidence.”
Now in its second year St John’s awards aim to spotlight ordinary Victorians who demonstrate exceptional care in an emergency.
The other winners of First Aid Champion Award winners are:
Jordan Berger — St John Volunteer & Paramedicine Student
While driving to a volunteer event in March 2025, Jordan was flagged down at the scene of a serious multi-car crash between Ararat and Stawell.
She provided critical first aid to a severely injured driver, drawing on her St John training and paramedicine studies. Jordan remained calm and focused, helping stabilise the surviving patient until they were airlifted to Melbourne in a critical but stable condition.
Her actions were selfless, swift, and lifesaving, an inspiring example of St John in action.
Ned Morgan — Apprentice — Shepparton
In November 2024, young tradie Ned Morgan was working on a home renovation in Shepparton when the homeowner John Head suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. With no hesitation, Ned, who had recently completed a CPR course, rushed in, assessed the situation, and began lifesaving CPR.
Thanks to Ned’s calm, confident response, John survived. That same John, a beloved community figure recently awarded an OAM, is alive today because Ned was prepared.
Aaron Forster — First Aid Trained Neighbour — Cranbourne East
In August 2024, after a neighbour was shot outside his home, Aaron rushed to the scene with his first aid kit and took immediate action. He performed DRABCD, applied pressure to the wound, monitored vital signs, and communicated calmly with Ambulance Victoria and police until paramedics arrived.
Thanks to his quick response and composure, the victim was stabilised and rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Aaron’s actions highlight the importance of staying first aid trained, because in moments like this, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death.
Alice Ducat — Student — Bayswater
At just 13 years old, Alice found herself first on scene, when returning from school, after a man suffered a serious head injury from an e-scooter crash on the Dandenong Creek Trail. Alice calmly called 000, gave precise updates, provided first aid, and stayed with the injured man for 30 minutes until emergency services arrived. Her quick thinking, reassurance, and maturity helped stabilise the situation and may have prevented a far worse outcome. Alice’s cadet training and natural composure under pressure truly shone.
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