A quick check on her sleeping baby became a fight for life when Sarah found two-month-old Theodore unresponsive.
While playing with her three-year-old son Sebastian on what had been an otherwise normal Sunday afternoon, Moulden mother Sarah Williams felt the urge to check on Theodore as he napped.
“As soon as I opened the bedroom door, I could tell straight away that something was wrong,” she said.
“He was blue-grey and completely unresponsive.
“It’s all a blur after that.”
What followed was a frantic call to Triple Zero (000), life-saving CPR instructions provided over the phone by emergency medical dispatcher Eli Ralph, and a rapid response from paramedics Charlie Sebastian, Anna Tran and intensive care paramedic Kelsey Squire.
“Without the dispatcher and paramedics who responded, the outcome could have been very different,” Sarah said.
Despite being CPR trained and having worked previously in health, Sarah said the shock of the situation left her unable to think clearly.
“I know I was hysterical,” she said, “but the dispatcher was exactly who I needed. Eli was calm, assertive and clear”.
“He asked the necessary questions and then told me CPR needed to start.
“Looking back, I know I should have already been doing it, but in that moment I just couldn't think straight.
“He stayed on the phone with me until the paramedics were inside the house.”
Sarah said the arrival of the ambulance crew brought immediate reassurance.
“When the paramedics came through the door, they just got straight to work.
“They took control so quickly and their confidence gave me confidence.”
After assessing Theodore, the crew transported him in critical condition to Royal Darwin Hospital, where hospital staff were already preparing for his arrival.
“The paramedics warned me it was going to be chaotic from the moment we pulled up,” Sarah said.
“There were ambulances, hospital staff and other patients there, but everyone seemed to move out of the way for Teddy.
“As soon as we walked through the doors, the resus room filled with people who were there to save him.
While doctors worked to stabilise Teddy, Charlie remained by Sarah’s side, helping her understand what was happening.
“Charlie pretty much stayed with me the whole time,” she said.
“She explained what all the clinical terms meant and what was happening.
“There were so many things going on – some things I know I’ll never forget.
“Out of everything, she stayed with me, and that’s what stands out.”
Weeks later, Sarah, Teddy and Sebastian reunited with Charlie, Anna, Kelsey and Eli to personally thank them for the role they played in Teddy’s care.
Charlie said it was special to see Theodore doing so well after such a critical incident.
“As paramedics, we often don’t get to see what happens after we hand our patients over at hospital,” she said.
“Being able to see Teddy doing so well and catch up with Sarah again was incredibly rewarding.
“You never forget jobs like this, so seeing him happy, healthy and back home with his family means a lot.”
Sarah has shared Teddy’s story in hopes that more people will learn CPR.
“I don’t care who you are – parent or not – everyone should know CPR,” she said.
“The dispatcher was incredible, but if I didn’t have any background knowledge, I don’t know what I would have done.
“You never think you’ll need those skills until the day you do.”
St John NT offers a range of accredited and specialised first aid courses, including Caring for Kids, designed specifically for parents, grandparents and carers.
More information available here.
