When emergencies happen, they rarely come with a warning.

For 11-year-old Luca Fados, what began as a quick visit to a neighbour's house to talk about skiing plans turned into a life-changing moment that would test his courage, compassion and first aid knowledge.

In July last year, Luca walked next door to see his neighbour, Mark, ahead of a planned ski trip the following day. “I could see that he wasn’t feeling right then he went to sit on the couch and he fell on the floor.”

Recognising that something was seriously wrong, Luca immediately ran to get his mum, Leah.

By the time Leah reached the house, Mark was experiencing a severe seizure and had stopped breathing and was turning blue. With Triple Zero (000) on the line providing calm guidance, Leah and Luca worked together to place Mark in the recovery position and keep him safe while emergency services made their way to the property.

As paramedics rushed to the scene, Luca continued to play a vital role.

He waited at the front gate to direct ambulances onto the property and, when the situation became overwhelming for his mum, he calmly answered questions from paramedics and shared important details about what had occurred.

His actions ensured emergency responders were able to quickly understand the situation and provide the urgent care Mark needed. As Mum Leah said “Luca’s actions are the reason Mark is with us today. I couldn’t be prouder”

Staying Calm When It Mattered Most

In a high-pressure situation that would be confronting for many adults, Luca remained focused on helping.

His ability to recognise an emergency, seek assistance immediately and support both his mum and emergency responders demonstrates the power of first aid awareness and preparedness, regardless of age.

Luca had previously participated in St John Ambulance Victoria's free First Aid in Schools Program, where students learn essential skills that can help them recognise and respond to emergencies.

An important part of St John’s role is this free community access for over 80,000 primary school students each year, teaching them skills they could use at home, in public or even with a neighbour, as in Luca’s case.

While no one expects a child to face a life-threatening situation involving a neighbour, the knowledge and confidence Luca gained helped him understand that immediate action was needed. “It is pretty special; I am lucky to be standing here” says Mark.

From the Classroom to a Real-Life Emergency

While Luca's response on the day was remarkable, it wasn't the first time he had been introduced to first aid.

A few years earlier, St John Ambulance Victoria visited St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Mansfield, where Luca participated in the organisation's First Aid in Schools Program. Through the program, students learn practical skills that help them recognise emergencies, seek help quickly and assist someone safely until professional medical care arrives.

Although Luca could never have anticipated using those lessons in a real-life emergency, the experience helped build the confidence and awareness that would prove invaluable on the day Mark needed help.

In a special full-circle moment, Luca was reunited at the First Aid Champion Awards with Samantha Stewart, the St John Community Education Officer who had delivered the program at his school 2 years earlier.

For Samantha, seeing a former student recognised for applying those skills in the community was a powerful reminder of why first aid education matters. “I am very blessed to have met Luca and his family. What a champion he is!

Luca's story demonstrates that first aid knowledge doesn't just stay in the classroom. It can stay with a person for life and, in some cases, help save one.

Celebrating a True First Aid Champion

Every year, St John Ambulance Victoria's First Aid Champion Awards recognise everyday Victorians who use their first aid knowledge, quick thinking and compassion to help others in times of need. The Junior First Aid Champion category specifically celebrates young people under 12 who demonstrate exceptional first aid awareness and action.

Luca's story is a shining example of how even the youngest members of our community can make an extraordinary difference.

His courage, maturity and willingness to help in a moment of crisis helped save a life.

And for Mark, his family, and everyone who knows him, that difference means everything. His survival is a proof to the chain of survival that begins long before an ambulance arrives.

It starts with someone recognising that something is wrong, it continues with the confidence to act, and sometimes, it begins in a school classroom.

For Luca, the lessons he learnt through St John Ambulance Victoria's First Aid in Schools Program helped prepare him for a moment he could never have predicted. Thanks to his courage, quick thinking and determination to help, a neighbour received the care he needed, and a family was given more precious time together.

That's the power of first aid education. And that's why every Victorian should know first aid.

Congratulations, Luca, on being recognised as a St John Ambulance Victoria Junior First Aid Champion.

Watch Luca's video below: