On December 27, Graham Tangye, a member of Ocean Beach Surf Lifes Saving Club, arrived home at his unit at Ettalong and shortly after, a neighbour called at his door seeking assistance.

An elderly woman in a nearby unit had collapsed.

There were six people around, however none had CPR skills.

The neighbours knew of Graham’s involvement in surf life saving so dashed for assistance in the hope he was home. When Graham arrived on scene he assessed the situation and found the woman was unconscious and not breathing. After confirming an ambulance was on its way, he started CPR.

The ambulance arrived 15 minutes later and the officers began external cardiac defibrillation on the patient. The officers established a weak but acceptable pulse, and though the woman’s condition was critical, they decided to transfer her to Gosford Hospital. She was later transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital.

Graham and the club were later told that the patient had suffered a severe cardiac arrest and after stabilisation in hospital, required the insertion of a pace maker.

The ambulance officers said that the actions taken in those first 10 minutes improved the patient’s chances significantly. Graham’s CPR skills and his quick thinking on that day saved a life.

The club receives a framed citation and $400 to spend on surf life saving gear or equipment. The rescue also won the Central Coast Branch Rescue of the Month award.