Cannington Leisureplex staff awarded for bravery

Four staff members at the Cannington Leisureplex received Gold Medallion Bravery Awards for their prompt and skilled response to an emergency that occurred at the centre in November 2023. 

A patron, who was exercising in the pool with a physiotherapist, reported feeling light-headed and fatigued. After being assisted out of the pool, the patron fell unconscious. Staff members Francesca Ashurst and Eli Gasmier immediately responded, calling for backup, gathering oxygen and a defibrillator, and beginning CPR. 

As the situation escalated, Zoe Filgate and Amy Harris arrived. Amy quickly retrieved privacy screens while another lifeguard cleared the pool of patrons, and Zoe assisted with CPR. 

Francesca, Zoe, and Eli continued CPR and defibrillation efforts for 20 minutes before paramedics arrived to take over. Unfortunately, despite their quick and expert intervention, the patron sadly did not survive. 

The efforts of Francesca, Zoe, Amy, and Eli, who put their training into action during this difficult situation, are truly commendable. Despite this, the team remain firm that they were just doing their jobs.  

“As a member of staff, our job as first aid responders is to preserve life. For me it was just that ‘fight or flight’ response, for which I helped fight to save the member,” Zoe said.  

Reflecting on her actions and receiving the award, Francesca Ashurst agreed.  

"For me, I didn't think twice before responding. I knew I had to act as soon as the situation unfolded. It's something we train for on a regular basis, so it felt like my brain just went into autopilot, and I just wanted to do everything I could to help the patron," she said.  

"It's a surreal feeling. When I responded in the incident, I knew it was the right thing to do and was never expecting to get an award for it. However, it is an amazing feeling and a huge honour for myself and the team to have our efforts recognised in this way." 

Such instances only further highlight the importance of undertaking regular first aid and CPR training, something which the staff at Cannington Leisure believe in wholeheartedly.  

"My advice to others would be to complete any training that is offered to them, whether that be obtaining a formal qualification or undertaking scenario-based training at their workplace, as you can never be too prepared during these situations. My other advice would be not to be scared to get involved or think that there are already enough people helping, as there is always something extra that can be done to assist," Francesca said.  

You can gain or update your first aid and CPR skills by finding a course at the link below.