Trio’s quick action averted a tragedy

THANKS to the quick thinking of three St John Ambulance volunteers, a severe allergic reaction went from being potentially deadly to under control.

L-R Brent Cashion of St John Ambulance with Caitlyn Smart. Caitlyn Smart 19 of Howrah suffered an adverse reaction to prescr...

THANKS to the quick thinking of three St John Ambulance volunteers, a severe allergic reaction went from being potentially deadly to under control.

When 19-year-old Caitlyn Smart went into anaphylactic shock brought on by her migraine medication at the Falls Festival in Marion Bay last year, Brent Cashion was first on the scene to start bringing her back around.

Pam Heiermann and Denise Stones worked with Brent as Caitlyn’s vision disappeared, she lost consciousness and her blood pressure dropped dangerously.

Brent, who is also a full-time paramedic with Ambulance Tasmania, inserted an intravenous line and started giving her fluids to raise her blood pressure.

Part of St John Ambulance since he was 11, he worked with fellow volunteers Pam and Denise to resuscitate Caitlyn before a team from Ambulance Tasmania arrived.

The paramedics administered adrenalin, antihistamines and cortisone to stabilise her before transferring her to hospital. Caitlyn made a full recovery.

“If St John wasn’t there, Caitlyn wouldn’t be here,’’ Caitlyn’s mum Annette said.

Brent, Pam and Denise have been nominated in the Pride of Australia Medal’s heroism category.

To nominate someone for a Pride of Australia award, visit www.themercury.com.au/prideofaustralia. Nominations close at 5pm on July 29.