28 December 2025

Amazing race becomes race to save life in Perth CBD

While participating in a team-building ‘Amazing Race’ event in the Perth CBD, Chris van den Broeke saw a member of the public collapse in Forrest Place.

Chris and his colleague Jennie Murray immediately went to assist, quickly assessing the scene and placing the man in the recovery position. As they continued to monitor him, the man’s condition worsened.

“He stopped breathing and showed no signs of life, so we had to start CPR,” says Chris.

Jennie called 000 and began relaying instructions while Chris commenced CPR, sustaining effective compressions until the man began breathing and regained consciousness. The pair continued to monitor the man until ambulance and police officers arrived and took over.

Drawing on his decades of experience as a swimming instructor and Department of Fire and Emergency Services instructor, Chris showed calm judgement and lifesaving skill during the incident.

Fittingly, Chris was dressed as Harry Potter for his team event – which provided some welcome light-hearted relief after a confronting incident.

Another colleague, who nominated Chris for a Bravery Award, described him as an “amazing team member who is cool, calm and collected in any situation.”

“He is always willing to jump in to any situation and assist…his bravery saved this man and he deserves to be recognised.”

Chris was awarded a Gold Medallion and Jennie a Bravery Commendation at the 2025 Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards ceremony held in October. Their prompt and decisive actions likely saved the man’s life, and they demonstrated remarkable courage, composure and selflessness under pressure.

Chris, who has been maintaining his CPR and First Aid training for over 30 years, stresses the importance of learning these skills – you never know when you just might save someone’s life.
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