February 6, 2023, is a day Dylan Holmes will never forget. What began as an ordinary workday at Jennmar Australia took a dramatic turn when the worker in his 40s suddenly collapsed mid-conversation with a colleague. Without warning, he had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest - a life-threatening condition where survival hinges on immediate medical intervention.
Luckily, Dylan was in a workplace equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and colleagues who knew exactly what to do. Within 90 seconds, Jennmar’s Queensland Branch Manager, Mick Baker, and his team sprang into action. They performed CPR and used the AED to deliver five critical shocks, buying Dylan the precious time he needed before paramedics arrived.
“The AED undoubtedly saved Dylan’s life,” Mick said.
Paramedics administered four additional shocks at the scene before rushing Dylan to Mackay Base Hospital. There, he underwent intensive care and surgery to have a subcutaneous internal defibrillator implanted in his chest. This advanced device monitors his heart and automatically delivers a shock if another life-threatening rhythm occurs, giving Dylan peace of mind and a second chance at life.
Mackay Base Hospital Cardiologist Dr Dominika Budzbon said that Mr Holmes’ cardiac arrest was caused by very fast and abnormal heart rhythm.
“After a period of stabilisation in hospital, we decided he needs protection from any possible event like that in the future.”
Dr Budzbon explained that Mr Holmes became the first patient in Mackay to receive an implant of a subcutaneous defibrillator (ICD).
“This is a clever and highly programmable processor which recognises dangerous heart rhythms and works out what to do with it,” Dr Budzbon said.
“It is suitable for patients who only need a device to shock the heart, and do not need the support of a pacemaker as well.”
Since that fateful day, Dylan has become a passionate advocate for workplace defibrillators.
“All workplaces should have them; they’re a lifesaver,” Dylan emphasised.
"I wasn’t sick or anything like that—there was nothing wrong with me. It could happen to anybody," he said.
"If I’d been feeling unwell, I wouldn’t have clocked on early for overtime. It was a hot day, and the work’s physical, but everything seemed fine," he explained.
"The guy I was working with said I was talking normally one minute, then I let out a moan and crunched over some plates before hitting the ground.”
He now urges businesses to not only install AEDs but also to ensure employees are trained to use them and know their location.
Inspired by Dylan’s miraculous survival, Mick Baker and the Jennmar team have made it their mission to promote the life-saving potential of AEDs. Their efforts have already started making waves. One local business manager, deeply moved by Dylan’s story, paused operations to train employees in the proper use of defibrillators.
“For the amount of money they cost, it’s the best investment your business will ever make,” Mick said.
“If we can get just one business to purchase an AED, that’s a success…it could save a life.”
Recently, Jennmar Australia extended their advocacy efforts even further by donating a brand-new AED to CASA (Community Accommodation & Support Agency). CASA is a vital local organisation committed to helping individuals secure housing and access support services that foster stability, independence, and self-reliance.
This donation ensures that CASA staff, clients, and visitors will have access to life-saving equipment during a cardiac emergency.
“Thanks to Mick and his team, CASA now has a defibrillator installed to ensure the safety of everyone who resides in or enters our business,” said a CASA representative.
“On behalf of everyone at CASA, our clients, and the community surrounding our business, we extend heartfelt thanks for this generous donation. It ensures that more lives can be saved with on-site AEDs.”
Jennmar Australia’s generous donation of an AED to CASA ensures that staff, clients, and visitors are equipped with life-saving equipment in critical moments. Photo source: CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
