When an emergency strikes, there is rarely time to look up what to do next.

In those critical moments before paramedics arrive, the actions of a family member, friend, colleague or bystander can mean the difference between life and death.

That's why St John Ambulance Victoria is proud to recognise nine remarkable Victorians at the 2026 First Aid Champion Awards. From performing CPR on loved ones to responding to medical emergencies involving neighbours, colleagues and strangers, each recipient demonstrated courage, compassion and the confidence to act when it mattered most.

A wife's determination that saved a life – Karen's story

Among this year's recipients is Karen McDowell, who has been named St John Ambulance Victoria's Overall First Aid Champion for 2026.

Karen's husband, Rodney, suffered a cardiac arrest while exercising at home. Hearing him collapse, Karen immediately called Triple Zero (000) and began CPR under the guidance of the emergency call-taker. She continued lifesaving efforts until a GoodSAM responder and paramedics arrived.

After more than 40 minutes of resuscitation and multiple defibrillator shocks, Rodney's heartbeat was restored.

Doctors gave Rodney just a two per cent chance of survival.

Today, he has made a full recovery and returned to work full-time.

Karen's story highlights the extraordinary impact that immediate first aid can have during a cardiac emergency and why every minute counts.

As part of her recognition, Karen has taken home a St John’s newly launched Pocket defibrillator, which she will be able to donate to a charity, sporting club or community organisation of her choice, helping extend her lifesaving legacy even further.

A second chance at life – Peter' story

This year's awards were hosted by entrepreneur and Carman's Kitchen Founder Carolyn Creswell OAM, whose life was saved by her husband Peter approximately 18 months ago.

While dining with friends in regional Victoria, Carolyn choked on a piece of steak and suffered a cardiac arrest. Peter immediately commenced CPR and continued lifesaving efforts for around 30 minutes until paramedics arrived.

His quick thinking and determination saved her life.

Peter was recognised as one of this year's First Aid Champions, while Carolyn helped celebrate the incredible achievements of all recipients.

Reflecting on her experience, Carolyn said first aid knowledge gave her the greatest gift imaginable.

"Eighteen months ago, I wasn't supposed to make it home to my family. I am only here today because my husband knew what to do and had the confidence to act."

"I know firsthand that first aid doesn't just save lives, it saves families."

"We never expect an emergency to happen to us, but it can happen to anyone, anywhere. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can be the difference between life and death."

Everyday heroes among us

This year's champions come from all walks of life, but they share one thing in common: they stepped forward when someone needed help.

Among those recognised are:

• Luca Fados, an 11-year-old who helped alert adults that a neighbour was suffering a medical emergency and provided valuable assistance during a seizure incident.
• Allan Briggs, who drew on skills refreshed through St John Ambulance Victoria training to perform CPR on an unresponsive dive master while overseas.
• Lauren Griffin, who recognised a severe anaphylactic reaction in a colleague and administered an EpiPen before emergency services arrived.
• Abbey Dutch, a St John volunteer who assisted a drowned overseas tourist rescued from dangerous surf conditions.
• Anne Boyle, who used CPR skills learned just six weeks earlier at St John to help save a cyclist who suffered a cardiac arrest at Albert Park Lake.
• Emily Robinson and Nehemiah Powell, who responded to a traumatic dog attack, helping control severe bleeding and coordinate care for multiple patients.

Each response was different, but every action made a meaningful difference.

Why first aid skills matter

St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright said the recipients demonstrate the crucial role everyday people play in emergency situations.

"Not one of these people woke up that morning expecting to save a life. But when someone needed help, they stepped forward."

"Whether they were assisting a loved one, a neighbour, a colleague or a complete stranger, their actions gave someone the chance to return home to their family."

"The reality is that emergency services cannot always be there immediately. In many situations, the first person on scene is a family member, a workmate, a friend or a bystander. These champions show just how important it is for every Victorian to have first aid skills and the confidence to use them."

Every year, more than 30,000 Australians experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with most occurring in the home. Early CPR can significantly improve a person's chance of survival, which is why first aid knowledge remains one of the most valuable skills anyone can learn.

Inspired to learn first aid?

The stories of our 2026 First Aid Champions show that heroes aren't born, they are prepared.

Whether it's helping a loved one, a neighbour, a colleague or a complete stranger, having the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency can save a life.

At St John Ambulance Victoria, we are committed to helping more Victorians gain those skills through practical, nationally recognised first aid training.

Because when an emergency happens, you could be the person who makes all the difference.