Westfield Carousel security guards Muhammad Nazir, left, Ahmed Lakhair and Farrukh Abbas leapt into action to save a man’s life when he he had a heart attack at the shopping centre.
Camera IconWestfield Carousel security guards Muhammad Nazir, left, Ahmed Lakhair and Farrukh Abbas leapt into action to save a man’s life when he he had a heart attack at the shopping centre. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell.

Westfield Carousel security guards spring to action to save man’s life with CPR

Jessica NicoCanning Gazette

WHEN three security guards showed up to work on an ordinary Thursday in March, they were unaware they would soon be instrumental in saving a man’s life.

It was an evening like any other for Ahmed Lakhair , Farrukh Abbas and Muhammad Nazir , who were patrolling Cannington’s Westfield Carousel during the busy Thursday night rush on March 29.

But everything changed just before 6pm when a 67-year-old man collapsed due to a heart attack.

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The security team jumped into action, beginning CPR on the man while a centre defibrillator was fetched.

As the man lay unresponsive the security guards used the defibrillator to deliver two shocks to his heart, continuing CPR until the ambulance arrived and the patient’s pulse returned.

St John Ambulance community first responder manager Sally Simmonds said their quick actions had saved the man’s life.

“This man is alive today thanks to the three Westfield workers who came to his aid and gave him CPR and defibrillation,” she said.

“It’s a perfect example of first aid saving a life.”

St John Ambulance presented the men with a certificate on Tuesday in recognition of their actions.

Ms Simmonds said Carousel’s status as a registered Community First Responder (CFR) meant the defibrillator was brought to the victim quickly within those vital minutes before an ambulance arrived, which could mean the difference between life and death.

“The first minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest are pivotal in the survival of the patient,” she said.

“Communities that have the CFR in place can ensure help is on hand immediately, decreasing the risk of permanent injury or death.

“There is no doubt that the CFR program has helped make the State a safer, healthier place in which to live.”

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