Retired Melbourne Fire Brigade Officers John Williams and Keith Sanders helped save the life of a young woman after she collapsed on board a train recently. By Callan Date
TWO retired Melbourne Fire Brigade (MFB) officers turned back the clock last month when they helped resuscitate a woman who had collapsed and stopped breathing.
Berwick resident John Williams, 70, and his close friend Keith Sanders, 73, were on the train and heading into the city when their 40 years of combined training kicked in.
The retired duo, who were heading on to volunteer their time at the Fire Services Museum of Victoria, were in full MFB uniform as they went to the woman’s aid.
Mr Sanders said there had been some minor issues on the train during the early stage of the journey.
“On the way down the train doors were being kept open at various stations, delaying the train and apparently causing the train driver some concern by the tone in his voice,” he said.
“Then someone pressed the emergency button – this apparently was to report the woman who had stopped breathing.
“In the confusion that followed, John and I suddenly realised that a woman in front of and to the left of us was being lowered down from her seat to the floor of the carriage,” he said.
He said the train had stopped at Westall station when the driver ordered everyone off the carriage and on to the platform.
The Narre Warren local said they heeded the driver’s request, before quickly stopping to think.
“I said, hang on a minute, we’re trained first-aiders and we should help this young woman.
“John and I then took over and resuscitated her, placing her in the recovery position until the MFB paramedics and ambulance paramedics arrived to take over.”
Mr Williams said the response from the emergency services, who took the woman to hospital, was first-class.
“They arrived within minutes and they were professional, competent and compassionate,” he said.
The men said they were not sure what had caused the woman to stop breathing.
“Everyone should learn basic first-aid. Just do something if you see someone who is in trouble,” Mr Williams said.
“I have done a couple of refresher courses to keep my first-aid up to date and that helps you when something like this happens,” Mr Sanders said.
