Two Logan City Council staff members have been awarded medals after they helped save the local pastor who was playing basketball when he went into cardiac arrest.
Aaron Sprigg and Mary Joy were recognised with the Australian Resuscitation Club Medal for successfully resuscitating church pastor Rajko Celic who collapsed at the Mount Warren Sports and Fitness Centre last year.
Alongside fellow court users, Mr Sprigg and Ms Joy were quick to start CPR, call an ambulance, and use a defibrillator.
Seven minutes later, paramedics from the Beenleigh Ambulance Station arrived to take over the lifesaving efforts.
Mr Sprigg said receiving the award was a humbling experience.
“We were focused on doing what needed to be done in that moment,” he said.
“To be recognised like this is an honour, but the real reward is knowing someone went home to their family.”
Ms Joy said the event reinforced the importance of first aid and resuscitation training.
“The experience highlighted the importance of regular training and teamwork put into action, with every individual contributing to a positive outcome,” she said.
“I feel immense gratitude that I was able to be there when it mattered – both as a person and as a professional.”
In awarding the medals, the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) acknowledged Mr Sprigg and Ms Joy’s calm response, clinical skills and decisive action during the critical medical emergency.
Mayor Jon Raven praised the staff members for their professionalism and commitment to community safety.
“Aaron and Mary saved a life,” Mr Raven said. “Their quick-thinking and selfless actions have meant a family, and our community, have avoided what would have been a tragic loss.
“Moments like this highlight the importance of training and emergency preparedness.
“Having up-to-date CPR and first-aid skills is something we can all do.”
