Saved by real life heroes at nursing graduation

Uncle Barry Watson was in the best possible hands when he suffered two consecutive heart attacks while at a graduation ceremony late last year.

Uncle Barry Watson was in the best possible hands when he suffered two consecutive heart attacks while at a graduation ceremony late last year.

The 74-year-old was about to take to the stage to give an opening address to the graduating cohort of nurses when he collapsed, suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.

Registered nurse Aimee Holdsworth was just metres away – waiting in line to enter the ceremony – when she learned of Uncle Barry’s condition and rushed to his side.

Uncle Barry is reunited with Paramedics Timothy Cole, Kira Marriott (Trainee), Caitlin Lewis, Anthony Preston and Clinical Nurse Aimee Holdsworth. Picture David Clark

While Ms Holdsworth and a team of highly trained nurses performed CPR, a quick-thinking bystander raced to locate the lifesaving automated external defibrillator.

It was the efforts of Ms Holdsworth and other heroic bystanders that led to the best possible outcome for Uncle Barry, who on Thursday met with his lifesavers in an emotional reunion.

“To see them here today I am really moved to tears, I’m a bit too emotional and I’m really trying to hold it all together,” he said.

Uncle Barry Watson was about to attend a graduation ceremony when he suffered from a heart attack in October. Picture: David Clark.

“I know unfortunately sometimes we lose patients but it’s so good to be here because of all of you.”

The grandfather of 11 said after waking from the ordeal, all he was thinking about was seeing his wife, children and grandchildren.

Queensland Ambulance Service critical care paramedic Anthony Preston, who was called to assist Uncle Barry, praised the work of bystanders.

“They commenced excellent CPR including precise compressions of the chest and got access to a defibrillator early,” Mr Preston said.

“That enabled us to take care of Barry’s care and provide treatment.

“I think Barry has had a remarkable outcome and that outcome is directly linked to bystanders at the scene performing CPR and accessing a defibrillator and calling triple-0.”

He said sudden cardiac arrest does happen in our communities.

“For the members of the community to know how to do CPR and to know where how to use a defibrillator really saves lives.”

Ms Holdsworth said it was a rare occasion getting to meet with a patient after such a traumatic event, and one she would always remember.

“As a registered nurse in an acute hospital setting we don’t get to see this side of things, so for me this is something I will never forget,” Ms Holdsworth said.

“So this is really special and I’m really grateful to be here, and just really happy to see Uncle Barry so well.”

Originally published as Saved by real life heroes at nursing graduation