Man saves wife's life with CPR, urges everyone to take first aid training

Knowing first aid is of utmost importance as it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to provide immediate assistance in emergencies. In critical moments, being able to administer CPR, stop bleeding, or stabilize an injury can mean the difference between life and death. One such incident involving Glen Sharrock highlights the necessity of knowing these emergency procedures. He vividly recalls when his wife of nearly five decades came close to losing her life right in front of him. In August of last year, Marian Sharrock sat down in a lounge chair at their Rockhampton home after dinner but suddenly and abruptly "slumped down."

Speaking to ABC News, Glen said, "I thought to myself, 'Marian doesn't go sleep that quickly,' and I knew something was wrong." His wife had experienced a cardiac arrest, a highly alarming situation for him. Witnessing someone on the brink of death before his eyes proved to be an incredibly frightening experience for him. Faced with the situation's urgency, Mr. Sharrock realized that immediate action was crucial and that he might lose her if he didn't intervene promptly. Upon confirming that his wife was not breathing and had no pulse, Mr. Sharrock promptly dialed for an ambulance. He recalls, "I placed her off the lounge chair and started CPR, and I just kept going." In a display of remarkable teamwork, Mr. Sharrock entrusted the phone to his son Ben, who began relaying instructions from the emergency operator. Ben provided reassurance that they were following the correct procedures. Meanwhile, he continued to provide CPR for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived on the scene. The paramedics then took over with a defibrillator.

 Nearly a year later, Mr. and Mrs. Sharrock emphasize the importance of learning CPR and first aid. Mr. Sharrock, trained in these skills through regular courses at his former workplace, strongly advocates for others to acquire these life-saving abilities. The couple recently reunited with the paramedics and the emergency operator who assisted them during the critical moment, expressing their heartfelt gratitude. Emergency medical dispatcher Kim Hammond provided crucial advice during the call. According to her, early intervention was pivotal in such situations.

With Mrs. Sharrock having wholly recovered, she now leads a fulfilling life, supported by a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted in her chest. Mr. Sharrock aptly reminds everyone, "Five minutes. That's all it takes to save a life." Despite prior knowledge, he expressed that reassurance and professional guidance during the emergency were immensely valuable. The couple has planned a beach vacation to celebrate the one-year anniversary since Mr. Sharrock saved his wife's life. Mrs. Sharrock, accompanied by her husband, will enjoy a well-deserved holiday by the sea. As proud grandparents, they look forward to commemorating their 50th wedding anniversary next year, marking half a century of love and commitment.