Peter Petricola saved his father-in-law’s life after suffering cardiac arrest at Barwon Heads golf course

Andrew Rogers might’ve played his last round of golf ever had it not been for the quick thinking of his son-in-law Peter — and a crucial item installed on the Barwon Heads course.

Andrew Rogers might’ve played his last hole of golf ever had it not been for his son-in-law’s quick thinking and an on-course defibrillator.

Peter Petricola saved his father-in-law’s life after a sudden cardiac arrest on the 14th hole at Barwon Heads golf club, performing CPR for 40 minutes until paramedics arrived.

“We were playing in a match together, Andrew had played some very nice holes ... on the 14th tee after our shots I saw him face down on the ground unresponsive,” Mr Petricola said.

“I put Andrew in the recovery position and called triple-0 and they told me to start CPR straight away.

“There was no response from the CPR, but luckily the two guys we were playing with were able to drive back to the club house in their cart and grab a defibrillator.

“It gave him a shock initially and I continued CPR until ambulance arrived.”

Peter Petricola saved his father-in-law’s life after a sudden cardiac arrest on a golf course. Picture: Supplied by St John Ambulance Victoria

St John Ambulance Victoria highlighted how important it is for early intervention and training — which can make a life-changing difference.

Crucially, an automated external defibrillator (AED) was also on site — something St John are urging to be mandatory to be installed across public spaces and workplaces in Victoria.

Andrew, 74, said he has no recollection of that day but is sure that if it wasn’t for Peter that he ‘wouldn’t be here today’.

“The importance of people understanding CPR and the availability of defibrillators are going to save lives,” Mr Rogers said.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) was also on site at the golf course. Picture: St John's Ambulance Victoria

It comes as startling new St John research revealed 45 per cent of Australias admit they would be too afraid to use a defibrillator if someone collapsed, and only one in five people would feel confident performing CPR.

“Every minute without CPR or a defibrillator reduces survival by 10 per cent. We can’t let fear stop someone from saving a life,” St John Ambulance Victoria CEO said Gordon Botwright.

Victorians will be able to learn how they could make a life-altering difference first-hand through CPR and defibrillator training on Thursday at Queensbridge Square, Southbank.

Andrew Rogers with wife Jenny, who praised the medical teams on site. Picture: St John's Ambulance Victoria

Members of Ambulance Victoria, St John Ambulance, Victoria Police, CFA, SES and Fire Rescue Victoria will give CPR demonstrations, defibrillator training and share lifesaving stories as part of Restart a Heart Day.

“The whole experience taught me that it’s never too late to learn CPR … you never know when you may have an opportunity to make a difference to somebody, or to the broader community by rendering assistance,” Mr Petricola said.