15 August 2026

Timely CPR saves man near Burns Beach Café

In May last year, off-duty Corrective Services Vocational Support Officer David Vance was at the Burns Beach Café when he became aware there was a person in trouble outside. He rushed to the car park and saw an unconscious and unresponsive adult male lying on his back.

“Initially someone said he had a fall, but I became concerned as to the position he was laying,” recalls David. “Upon checking him it became obvious he was in cardiac arrest and not breathing.”

David, a former paramedic, said he didn’t have time to think and that his training just took over.

“As soon as I knew he was not breathing, instincts and previous CPR training kicked in, and I knew I had to do something to help. I could see he was a young man on his own; I felt his vulnerability and wanted to help him.”

David immediately commenced CPR and was assisted by another bystander. Meanwhile, café manager Tara Cockman had been alerted to the situation and had arrived on the scene. Tara rang 000 and was informed there was a defib nearby in the caravan park.

“I handed my phone to the bystander to stay on the line with emergency services and bolted to the caravan park to get the defib,” said Tara. “I know my way through the caravan park and could quickly locate it. I ran faster than I ever have to get it and get back to the scene with it.”

The group attached the AED and one shock was delivered. CPR continued for over 10 minutes until paramedics arrived, at which point the defibrillator delivered a second shock.

David continued CPR while the paramedics prepared equipment and conducted further assessments. He remained on site, supporting the patient until he was breathing independently and safely taken to hospital.

Thanks to their quick response and the prompt application of the AED, the patient – an off-duty police officer – went on to make a full recovery.

“We were informed later by the attending paramedics that if he hadn’t received those initial shocks from the defib it could have been very different,” says Tara. “I was blown away to find out that he would make a full recovery.”

The incident underscores how rapid bystander CPR and early access to a defibrillator can be the critical link between collapse and survival. David was later awarded a Royal Life Saving Gold Medallion Bravery Award, with Tara receiving a Bravery Commendation.

David says he was completely taken aback by the award nomination.

“To me, I was just helping another person who was in need. I was shocked that the person I saved turned out to be a police officer, and that I was able to give back to him for all the service he had done for his community.

“I fully support first aid training and have the first-hand experience to see how valuable having that knowledge can be to save a life.”

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If you’d like to gain the skills and knowledge to be able to step forward when someone is in need, consider enrolling in a first aid or CPR course. It might just save a life!
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