First Aid Hero of the Month: A Life-Saving Night at Home

Real story shared by Hayley, a St John first aid graduate.

Sometimes emergencies happen in the quietest of moments — at home, late at night, when you least expect it. For one Tasmanian, her first aid knowledge made all the difference when her housemate’s life was on the line.

A Sudden Collapse in the Night

One evening, her housemate went to bed early with a headache. Hours later, she woke to a loud crash. Rushing out, she found him unconscious on the kitchen floor, blood running from the back of his head. Suddenly, he began to seize.

She quickly cleared the area, placed towels under his head, and put him in the recovery position while calling an ambulance. “It felt like forever for them to arrive,” she recalls.

A Critical Diagnosis
 

When paramedics arrived, they worked tirelessly before rushing him to Launceston General Hospital. Doctors discovered he had suffered a brain aneurysm, and his fall had also caused swelling and bleeding. Initially, he was meant to be flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital, but due to the swelling, he had to be driven instead — his survival uncertain.
 

Weeks in ICU

He spent weeks in an induced coma, undergoing multiple operations, including one to remove part of his skull to relieve pressure. It was a long, difficult recovery filled with fear and uncertainty, but slowly, he healed.

Why First Aid Matters

Her quick actions that night — putting him in the recovery position, protecting his head, and calling for help — ensured he had the best possible chance until emergency crews arrived.

This story is a powerful reminder that first aid training isn’t just for strangers on the street or dramatic accidents — it’s for the people closest to us, right at home.