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At just 35 years old, Tekitah Falkenberg never imagined she would experience a cardiac arrest, let alone that her life would depend on the quick thinking of her colleagues and a complete stranger.

But when she suddenly collapsed at her desk during a phone call in July 2023, that's exactly what happened.

Her colleagues immediately rushed to help, calling Triple Zero (000), starting CPR and retrieving the building's automated external defibrillator (AED).

Nearby, Steve received an alert through the GoodSAM smartphone app, which connects volunteers willing to perform CPR with people experiencing cardiac arrest in their community, while paramedics are en route

He rushed to Tekitah's workplace, where her colleagues had started performing CPR.

鈥淚 assisted with CPR and helped apply the defibrillator pads. We then delivered two shocks as paramedics made their way to us. It is really pleasing to know she has had a positive outcome and that I played a role in that,鈥� Steve said.

It was the first time Steve had responded to a cardiac arrest through GoodSAM since signing up in 2018, and an experience he says will always stay with him.

For Tekitah, the actions of those around her made all the difference.

鈥淭he fact there was a defibrillator nearby and my colleagues and Steve didn鈥檛 think twice about removing enough of my clothes to correctly apply it saved my life,鈥� she said.

Her story is a powerful reminder that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Every day, around 21 Victorians experience a cardiac arrest, yet only one in 10 survive. When someone receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

Encouragingly, Victoria achieved its highest recorded survival rate for witnessed cardiac arrests in 2024/25, with 44.4 per cent of patients surviving to hospital discharge 鈥� the second highest in the world.

It's a remarkable achievement, made possible in part by everyday Victorians who step forward to help in those critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

Through 吃瓜官网's annual Shocktober campaign, we're encouraging more people to learn three simple lifesaving steps: Call, Push, Shock.

Call Triple Zero (000), Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest to perform CPR, and give a Shock using an AED.

You don't need medical training to make a difference. Anyone can learn CPR, use an AED or register as a GoodSAM responder.

For Tekitah, having people nearby who knew what to do gave her a second chance at life.

鈥淚 feel very grateful for everyone who helped save my life,鈥� she said.

As a valued 吃瓜官网 supporter, you're already part of a community that cares deeply about helping others. By sharing Tekitah's story, learning CPR or encouraging someone you know to become a GoodSAM responder, you can help give more Victorians the best possible chance of survival.

Because when cardiac arrest strikes, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Learn more about Shocktober, CPR, AEDs and becoming a GoodSAM responder.