A tragic incident at a remote Central Australian tourist site has prompted St John NT paramedics to secure a new lifesaving AED for Ellery Creek Big Hole.
South Australian researcher Dr Ellen Fraser-Barbour, 35, went into cardiac arrest while swimming at Ellery Creek Big Hole on Sunday 12 April 2026, and was not able to be resuscitated.
St John NT Alice Springs Duty Manager William Sears attended the incident with Intensive Care Paramedic Dave O’Toole, Paramedic Jarrod Weinart and Intern Paramedic Ben Cox.
Following the incident, Mr Sears began advocating for an automated external defibrillator (AED) to be installed at the site, recognising its vital role alongside cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in responding to cardiac arrest.
“We spoke with the bystanders who had performed CPR for more than an hour before we arrived, and while they did an incredible job, it was clear to all of us that an AED was needed at the site,” Mr Sears said.
“With Ellery Creek Big Hole being located over an hour outside of Alice Springs, having an AED already at the site means lifesaving equipment is on hand when it is needed, rather than having to wait for it to arrive with an ambulance.”
St John NT CEO Abigail Trewin AM praised the paramedics for turning a difficult experience into meaningful action for the community.
“Our paramedics care deeply about the communities they serve. William and the team saw an opportunity to make this remote site safer and took it upon themselves to make it happen,” Ms Trewin said.
“Every minute matters in a cardiac emergency, and this AED will give visitors the ability to help save a life while our paramedics are on their way.”
The AED was unveiled alongside a memorial plaque for Dr Fraser-Barbour at a ceremony at Ellery Creek Big Hole on Thursday 17 September.
The ceremony brought together Dr Fraser-Barbour’s friends and family, the St John NT paramedics who responded to the incident and NT Parks and Wildlife rangers to remember her and mark the installation of the AED.
Dr Fraser-Barbour was remembered as a highly respected researcher, educator and disability advocate who created meaningful and lasting change for people with disability. She helped establish the guiding principles of the National Disability Research Partnership and championed research led by people with disability. The impact of her life’s work and the change she inspired will be felt for generations to come.
The St John X3 Semi-Automatic AED, valued at $1,750, has been funded through a grant from the Airport Development Group and will be accessible to the public at all times.
