A man who narrowly survived drowning has thanked staff at Wonthaggi Hospital’s Emergency Department for helping to save his life.
Peter Hawkins was treated at the Emergency Department, operated by Bayside Health, after being caught in a rip at Inverloch Surf Beach that took him up to 400m offshore.
Having endured hypothermia after an hour in cool water, breathing in sea water and suffering a heart attack, Peter was later told his situation had been life-threatening.
He was transferred to Wonthaggi Hospital by ambulance after being rescued from the ocean by a surfer and a member of the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club, and stabilised on the beach by paramedics.
“When I was admitted to the Emergency Department, it seemed to me there were a lot of people who were very busy looking after me,” Peter said.
“I did not realise through this period that I was unwell although it was later explained to me that I had experienced a type 2 heart attack whilst in the water. The room in which I was placed had around 12 staff working on or around me.
“My wife, who is a retired registered nurse, was trying to advise me of what was happening, but I was not really able to comprehend the situation. She advised me later that the staff were very good and are likely the reason I’m still here.”
Peter was later transferred to Peninsula University Hospital at Frankston, also operated by Bayside Health, for further care. In an act of appreciation of Emergency Department staff, Peter delivered pastries for the staff to enjoy, as well as to Wonthaggi Police Station and Wonthaggi Ambulance Station to acknowledge the staff there for their involvement in saving his life.
“I am still recovering and find myself fatigued after little exertion, but that is a small price to pay compared to the alternative outcome that I might have experienced without the staff at the hospital,” he said.