麻豆社

Fortunata 鈥淔orch鈥� Panetta was 15 minutes into her usual early morning class when she suddenly collapsed without warning.

At first, those around her thought she may have fainted. But within moments, it became clear this was something far more serious.

Forch was in cardiac arrest.

In those critical first minutes, the people around her acted.

Two women immediately began CPR, while another called Triple Zero. Among the group was an off duty nurse who stepped in to help, relying on her training and instincts without the usual support of a clinical environment.

It was fast, decisive action that gave Forch a chance.

When AV paramedics arrived, they were able to take over care immediately. The early CPR meant Forch鈥檚 heart remained in a shockable rhythm, allowing crews to deliver life saving defibrillation.

Fire Rescue Victoria also responded, working alongside paramedics as part of the Emergency Medical Response partnership to provide additional support.

After multiple shocks and continued treatment, Forch鈥檚 pulse returned.

She was transported to Mildura Base Hospital and later transferred to The Alfred, where she spent nearly three weeks receiving specialist care.

Forch is continuing her recovery at home, something that once felt uncertain.

鈥淚 was in the right place,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f it had happened anywhere else, there might not have been anybody to begin CPR and I probably wouldn鈥檛 have survived.鈥�

Her story is a powerful reminder that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, often without warning, regardless of age or fitness.

It also highlights the importance of knowing what to do in those first critical moments.

Forch鈥檚 husband Frank said their family is incredibly grateful to everyone involved.

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly grateful. I thank God that it happened where it did and that all the emergency services were able to respond so quickly,鈥� he said.

Every day, around 21 Victorians experience a cardiac arrest, and survival depends on how quickly action is taken.

When someone steps in to help, beginning CPR and using a nearby defibrillator, the chances of survival increase significantly. AV鈥檚 community programs like Call Push Shock and the GoodSAM network are helping more Victorians build the confidence and skills to act in those critical first moments, while improved access to community AEDs means help is often closer than ever before.

These early actions, combined with the advanced care provided by paramedics and supported by ongoing research and innovation, are helping to improve survival outcomes across the state.

Much of this progress is underpinned by the support of the community and philanthropic contributions, which help fund vital research, education and initiatives that strengthen emergency care.

For Forch and her family, that chain of survival made all the difference.

Together, community action, clinical excellence and continued investment in training, equipment and research are helping to save more lives. And with continued support, there is the potential to do even more.

Every day, AV paramedics respond to life threatening emergencies across the state. Supporting this work helps strengthen training, equipment and community initiatives that improve patient outcomes.

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