A 16-year-old boy who suffered a cardiac arrest at work has been reunited with the first responders who helped save his life.
Alex Harbour was clinically dead for almost 10 minutes before firefighters and paramedics arrived to deliver critical care to restart his heart.
UFU members from Station 48 – Taylors Lakes and paramedics were reunited today with 16-year-old Alex Harbour, who suffered a cardiac arrest while working at a local fast food business in February this year.
A rapid response and professionalism were critical during the incident after Alex suddenly collapsed at work. A courageous co-worker immediately commenced CPR under the guidance of the 000 Victoria call-taker until FRV EMR crews arrived.
Station Officer Timothy Eccles, alongside Firefighters Alastair Tehan, Tony Dong and Megan Bell, acted decisively, delivering the lifesaving shock that restored Alex’s heart rhythm before seamlessly transitioning his care to Ambulance Victoria crews.
Their actions, teamwork and clinical skill were instrumental in this positive outcome, underscoring the high level of expertise and commitment FRV brings to the EMR program.
Incidents like this highlight the strength of the FRV–Ambulance Victoria partnership, with FRV crews responding to around 10,000 EMR calls each year to support the Victorian community when every second counts.