.jpg "DCO Trevor Owen, Drouin Fire Brigade member John Atkins, recipients Tamara Leuridan and Quentin Leuridan, CO Jason Heffernan and Commander Greg Fisher")
DCO Trevor Owen, Drouin Fire Brigade member John Atkins, recipients Tamara Leuridan and Quentin Leuridan, CO Jason Heffernan and Commander Greg Fisher
Three CFA members and three citizens have been commended for their composed and specialised response throughout a highly critical health incident involving a fellow member.
CFA volunteers Quentin Leuridan, Tamara Leuridan and Sam Nalder received the Chief Officer’s Commendation certificate at a special brigade event on Saturday, 23 November where they were acknowledged for their admirable public service in June 2021.
It was the initial quick thinking and calm response of Drouin Fire Brigade member Quentin Leuridan, who was a passenger to his Captain John Atkins who was behind the wheel as they made their way to a fire-call, alike any other day.
When Quentin noticed the tanker slowing and swerving, he realised John had become unconscious and quickly leant over to take control of the vehicle. It was confirmed later by Ambulance Victoria personnel that John suffered a cardiac arrest.
Three years on, Quentin is pleased John remains a part of the brigade, and said the event was a nice opportunity to get everyone who was involved back together and to see John under better circumstances.
“It’s nice to be recognised for the work we did, but also for the citizens that stopped that day,” Quentin said.
“I’m so glad they’ve received acknowledgement as well, they didn’t have to stop, but they did.
“The surgeon had said if John didn’t have that episode then, he would’ve had it at home. But, as he lives alone, I’m just thankful I was able to be there for him and that he said yes to the callout that day. It really was the best outcome.”
Having halted the tanker to pull John out of the vehicle, Quentin received the assistance of nearby citizens Simon and Catherine Booker who had stopped their car and Rebecca Wittmer, an off-duty nurse driving past who later helped perform CPR with the defibrillator Quentin provided.
Amid the stressful experience, Quentin had the forethought to contact his partner, Tamara McCann, an airway specialist nurse and fellow volunteer at Drouin Fire Brigade, who talked Quentin through CPR and other methods before arriving to provide additional CPR assistance.
Tamara said she was more than happy to take over compressions from the others who had been performing gruelling, yet critical, CPR on John.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Quentin and his clear communication throughout the response,” Tamara said.
“He gave me a clear description of what happened, he had the ability to pull the truck over safely, lay him down, radio for help and to even think to call me was just incredible.
“At the time, he didn’t have first aid, but he has been my nursing study buddy for so many years, so he has obviously been paying attention and knew the defib was going to help in that situation.
“CPR is a full body workout, but nothing compares to the mental load of what you’re doing at the same time as physically exerting yourself.”
Tamara travelled to the hospital with John as an extra set of hands and had not seen his son since she handed over his belongings that day, not knowing if he was going to make it or not.
Hallora & District Fire Brigade member Sam Nalder also provided medical, wellbeing and logistical support, having come across the scene while enroute to fill the tanker with water.
Sam stayed on scene, using his skills as an Emergency Medical Response (EMR) accredited firefighter to perform CPR compressions, while also assessing the wellbeing of Quentin and undertaking traffic management.
Sam said he was blessed the organisation had commended him and everyone in the area was quick to jump in and assist.
“We saw there was an issue, and through the work that I do, I was able to utilise some of those skills and support where I could,” Sam said.
Members of the public Rebecca Wittmer, Simon Booker and Catherine Booker also received CFA Citizen’s Commendation awards on the night for their valuable assistance.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said he was honoured to present CFA members and citizens with their commendations for their extraordinary efforts that day.
“I’m incredibly proud and thankful to the quick work of our CFA members throughout what was both a traumatic and challenging experience, involving one of their own,” Jason said.
“The swift thinking, the calm demeanour and the specialised skills of all involved resulted in a life saved and only further reinforces the true spirit of CFA and strong community service.
“My thanks for a job well done and to the three Victorian citizens who lent a hand when we needed it.”
John has subsequently and positively recovered, and the actions of the six responders undoubtedly contributed to this best possible outcome.