A 72-year-old man from Kambalda has survived a sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest after seeking urgent medical attention just in time.

Rick Bell, a retired local and part-time prospector, experienced warning signs the night before, including chest tightness and breathlessness. Trusting his instincts, he decided to visit the St John General Practice clinic the next morning – a move that likely saved his life.

“I’d taken the dogs for a walk and felt a bit off, but figured it was just from the cold air,” Rick said. “But early the next morning, I had what I thought was bad indigestion. Then I started sweating heavily for no reason. My clothes were soaked in seconds.”

Recognising the symptoms of a potential heart attack, Rick, a former volunteer ambulance officer, immediately called the clinic and drove himself there.

Once he arrived, staff swiftly moved him into the treatment room. In a critical turn of events, Rick suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after.

Clinic GP Dr Palaniyappah Suresh sprang into action, performing CPR for approximately eight minutes. Medical staff and volunteers supported the efforts until the local ambulance crew and a community paramedic arrived with emergency equipment, including a defibrillator.

Rick was stabilised and transported to the Kalgoorlie Health Campus emergency department. He was later flown to Perth, where he underwent successful quadruple bypass surgery and spent two weeks in recovery.

Only around 11 per cent of people survive a cardiac arrest that happens outside a hospital, making Rick’s story extraordinary. His case highlights the critical importance of recognising heart attack symptoms early and the role of CPR and defibrillation in improving survival rates.

For those searching for information on how to respond to a cardiac emergency, this incident underscores the value of having automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available in community settings, and the life-saving difference it can make when people are trained in CPR techniques.

Rick’s story is a powerful reminder: when it comes to your heart, don’t delay. Quick thinking, timely medical care, and access to the right equipment can make all the difference.

Source: Perth Now.