ST JOHN NT
NEWSROOM

When central Australian tour guide, James De Angelis, sprang into action to care for a member of his tour who was suffering from a cardiac arrest while trekking in Ormiston Gorge, he did so without hesitation.  A critical response which meant the difference between life and death.

St John NT CEO Judith Barker this week presented a “Save a Life Award” to Mr James De Angelis in recognition of his brave actions on that tour on 28 April 2022.

Mr De Angelis from 100% Adventure, is first aid trained and was carrying an AED at the time a 72 year-old male participant on his tour collapsed suddenly after lunch.  

Director of Ambulance Services, Andrew Thomas, who attended the scene with St John NT paramedics, described the situation as a textbook response, “the patient survived a life-threatening situation due to the quick actions of James, a doctor who was also on the tour, and well coordinator emergency medical retrieval processes from a team of services.”

“The role of the first responder can often mean the difference between life or death with only 1 in 10 typically surviving a sudden cardiac arrest. James’ quick thinking and levelheaded response resulted in the patient being resuscitated successfully.”

“Park Rangers had access to the site and were able to assist the patient across a deep-water crossing

while NTES were activated and went in with a stretcher to convey the patient out. The patient was then transferred via ambulance to Alice Springs Hospital for further treatment,” Mr Thomas added.

St John Save a Life Awards may be awarded to a person who contributes, through the application of first aid, to saving the life of another person.

St John NT extends their heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Mr De Angelis on receiving the Award and saving the life of the tour participant.