14 June 2026

A chance to say goodbye thanks to neighbours’ help

In November 2024, Capel resident Nicolette received a call from her husband Devon, who was out on his usual walk.

“He called me to say he had fallen but couldn’t remember what happened,” said Nicolette. Devon was not far from home and Nicolette drove down to pick him up.

“He was sitting on a bench. He assured me he was fine, told me he loved me and said, ‘Nik, please call an ambulance.’”

On the drive home, Devon lost consciousness. The couple’s son, Shayne, met them in the garage, where Devon collapsed while trying to exit the car. Shayne supported him and laid him on the ground while Nicolette was on the phone with emergency services.

“The emergency operator guided Shayne through CPR since Devon wasn’t breathing,” said Nicolette. “I knocked on my neighbour’s door for help, but when no one answered, I desperately tried to flag down passing cars.”

It was just before 6pm on a weekday and the family lived on a busy main road. Despite the peak hour traffic, it took a while to wave someone down to help.

“Out of more than 30 cars, one finally stopped to assist,” said Nicolette. “I felt so relieved to see my neighbour, Rianne, who signalled to her son, Roald, and together we rushed to Shayne and Devon.”

Roald, who had recently completed a first aid course, immediately stepped in and took over CPR from Shayne.

“Rianne drove to the Capel Recreation Centre to get a defibrillator, a 14-minute round trip. Meanwhile, the boys took turns performing CPR. Devon’s breathing was irregular and laboured, resembling snoring or agonal breathing, and his heart stopped repeatedly. When Rianne returned, she helped set up the defibrillator with the boys, all while the emergency operator provided instructions over the phone.”

Together, Shayne and Roald continued their lifesaving efforts for 29 minutes, delivering shocks and fighting to keep Devon alive through multiple cardiac arrests, until paramedics arrived.

“Four ambulance officers took over from the boys,” said Nicolette. “Two police officers helped move Devon from the garage to the driveway to give them more space to work. I watched as Devon’s heart stopped again — it was heartbreaking.”

Devon was transferred to Bunbury Regional Hospital but sadly passed away the following day.

“Devon survived an additional 24 hours in the ICU, giving his family time to travel to Bunbury to be with their father, brother, and grandfather. Although it was difficult, it was also comforting to know that everyone did their best. I am so proud of the boys and Rianne. They gave our family the most precious gift: time.”

ICU doctors confirmed that the swift, skilled actions of Shayne, Roald and Rianne kept him alive long enough for his family to gather, speak with him and say goodbye. Roald, Shayne and Rianne were each awarded Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards for their efforts.

“It was an emotional and confronting situation for all three of them,” said Nicolette. “Without their help and support, I wouldn’t have had the chance to hold my husband and say goodbye.

“We now have a defibrillator, which we will register and install at our address, reducing the time needed to retrieve one from other locations. It will be placed at the front of our house in honour of Devon.”

If you know someone who has displayed immeasurable courage to save, or attempt to save, someone’s life, you can nominate them for a Bravery Award at the link below.
Bravery Award Nominations