On Boxing Day last year, 14-year-old Connor Wood was at home with his older brother and grandparents who were visiting from the UK.

“Me and my brother were in the living room watching TV when we heard a weird sound, so my brother went out to investigate,” recalls Connor.

Their grandfather had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was not breathing.

“We decided to call 000,” says Connor. “My brother called 000 as he had had shoulder surgery. The operator told us to start CPR.

“We had some understanding of CPR. I did chest compressions and rescue breaths. I tried to clear his airway by moving his tongue and the operator started a metronome to help keep a steady rhythm.”

Despite his young age, and with no other assistance available, Connor continued resuscitation efforts until ambulance officers arrived. His grandfather was successfully revived and transferred to hospital, eventually making a full recovery following emergency surgery.

Connor’s quick thinking, courage, and determination were vital in saving his grandfather’s life, and he was presented with a Royal Life Saving WA Gold Medallion Bravery Award at a ceremony in Perth last month.

Tania Dickson, a paramedic who attended, said Connor was extraordinarily brave in what was a very emotional scene.

“What a true champion to step in and perform CPR on a family member and be put under so much pressure being the only person physically able to do so,” said Tania.

Read about more of the 2025 Royal Life Saving Bravery Award recipients at the link below.
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