WA Governor His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Jen Hills, Adrian Hills, Royal Life Saving WA President Vaughan Davies

Quick response commended in Port Coogee scare

While enjoying a day out at Port Coogee Marina in January, Jen and Adrian Hills were suddenly alerted to an emergency when they were approached by a woman in distress.

Two five-year-old girls were sinking under the surface and were taking on water. They were pulled from the water by family members.

Jen and Adrian, unaware of the circumstances, were approached by the family members to find a defibrillator.

“We had no idea of the situation we were trying to help and so we just knew we needed to act as quickly as possible and hoped it wasn’t too late,” recalls Jen.

Without hesitation, Jen and Adrian raced off in different directions, eventually locating a defibrillator but it required unlocking. Jen flagged down a car to call 000 for the code, while Adrian found a key inside a nearby building.

Upon returning, they found the girls conscious but shaken. Jen placed one of the girls in the recovery position and kept her calm, while both Jen and Adrian stayed with the family, providing comfort until paramedics arrived.

Jen and Adrian were each awarded with a Royal Life Saving Bravery Commendation for their quick thinking and composed actions which ensured the girls’ safety, exemplifying quick response and compassion.

Despite both having previous first aid training, Jen says it was a confronting experience.

“Being sent for the defibrillator was quite scary as whilst running we were trying to remember the training and also the adrenalin kicks in and your heart rate starts to increase.

“We were very fortunate and relieved that when we returned to the scene, both girls were conscious and breathing. The thought of providing CPR to a five-year-old is very confronting, especially as our daughter is the same age.”

While humble about the recognition, Jen and Adrian recognise the importance of highlighting these incidents and the difference a little first aid knowledge, or even just helping as best you can, can make in an emergency.

“Near drownings always highlight just how quickly a fun day at the beach can become life changing or life ending,” says Jen. “Having more eyes to help spot an ambulance or people to get additional towels or to help run for something needed will always provide the best outcome in a situation.”

If you know someone who has helped or attempted to save someone in an emergency and deserves recognition for their actions, you can nominate them for a Bravery Award at the link below.