A healthy New Year for Korong Vale teen
January 3, 2024in News
One year on from a cardiac arrest, a Korong Vale teenager has thanked the paramedics and nurses who allowed him to enjoy another new year.
On the first day of 2023, an ambulance was called for then-18-year-old Tyson Woodman, who was suffering a bad asthma attack, which soon made his heart stop entirely.
Wedderburn Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs) Glenn Thompson and Lynne Gondar were first on the scene.
For Glenn, it was a particularly tough case to attend.
Tyson suffered a bad asthma attack which made his heart stop entirely.
“Tyson’s grandparents were actually Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members with me when we started as First Responders up here,” Glenn said.
“I’ve also gotten to know and really like Tyson – I’m an electrician by trade and I met him when he was doing a school placement with the local builder.
“I remember getting the call and as we were driving the ambulance across, I was saying I hope it’s not Tyson, I hope it’s not the Woodman’s house.
“We walked in and started trying to administer medication to help him breathe but then he went into cardiac arrest, so next thing we’re doing CPR on him.”
Paramedics, including a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) crew, arrived soon after and the teenager was taken to Bendigo Health, where he spent most of January before moving to a rehab centre.
Tyson on the road to recovery.
Tyson had to re-learn everything from eating to walking, but a year on, he has recovered enough to return to work and the things he loves.
“I’m back at work at a local supermarket two days a week, I’m riding dirt bikes and I’m playing footy again next year – I’m pumped!” he said.
“I’m looking forward to being able to drive again and hopefully getting a job on a sheep farm this year.”
Tyson welcomed in 2024 with friends and family and had plenty of people to thank for getting him there.
“I’d like to thank the Wedderburn and Korong Vale communities, and my mates, for their support and care over the last year,” he said.
“Thank you to all the emergency services for saving my life that day, especially my mate Glenn Thompson.”
Glenn said it’s been “awesome” to see Tyson’s recovery.
“I’m so happy that he’s alive and kicking, and going along in great bounds,” he said.
Tyson’s grandmother, Verneece Woodman, said Glenn is one of several people who have gone “above and beyond” for Tyson.
“Glenn regularly visits and checks on Tyson – not only did he save Tyson’s life, but he’s been a fantastic support afterwards,” Verneece said.
“We’d also like to thank the ICU Staff at Bendigo Health – all of them were great but there are three in particular who have gone above and beyond: Dana, Dylan and Kelsey.
“They got him through the worst days of his life.”
L-R: Paramedic Dylan Brooks, ACO Lynne Gondar, patient Tyson Woodman, ACO Glenn Thompson, and Paramedic Sarah McDonald.
Tyson and his family also thanked the team at The Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre and the John Lindell Rehabilitation Unit.
Tyson is continuing rehab, but Verneece said to get to the stage he’s at is a miracle.
“He just had his 19th birthday and it was something we thought we wouldn’t be able to celebrate because he wouldn’t be here for it,” she said.
“To see how far he’s come – it’s made both me and his Pop so proud of him and his strength, will and determination.
“He’s just got so much love and support around him – from his mates, our family and friends, and the whole community.
“It’s been a very hard year, but when you see him the way he is, it’s all been worth it.”
Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas stopped in to meet Tyson and thank the hardworking Ambulance Community Officers, paramedics and nurses that helped save his life.
“It is great to see Tyson healthy and in good spirits, I would like to thank our hardworking healthcare workers who work tirelessly all year round including holidays like New Year’s to save lives like Tyson’s.”