Rescue Stories

Currumbin Beach Rescue

A teenager averted a potentially tragic start to summer when he used his surf lifesaving skills to help resuscitate a woman who collapsed on the beach.

Daniel Toth, 18, was walking along Currumbin Beach when he saw a middle-aged woman sitting at the water’s edge collapse.

While another bystander rushed to call an ambulance and alert the Currumbin Alley lifeguard tower, Daniel – who gained his bronze medallion only two years prior – started CPR on the woman, who was unconscious, had no pulse and was not breathing.

Daniel worked with one lifeguard to resuscitate the woman, while another lifeguard returned to defibrillate her and help administer oxygen therapy.

When the Queensland Ambulance Service arrived soon after, the woman was conscious and breathing, thanks to the attention she received at the scene.

The woman was taken to hospital, and was released the next day.

Daniel said he was able to act quickly, thanks to his bronze medallion and paramedic training.

“I got my bronze two years ago at Kurrawa, which was one of the reasons I was interested in becoming a paramedic,” he said.

“I’m a firm believer that everyone should know CPR. Anyone else in my situation would’ve done the same as I did today, but only if they had the training to begin with.”

Stuart Hogben, Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Lifesaving Services Co-ordinator for the Gold Coast, said Daniel’s actions had probably saved the woman’s life.

“Time is of the essence in situations like this, and his quick thinking meant the woman was receiving medical attention during those first few crucial minutes,” Mr Hogben said.

“An incident like this just goes to show how important it is to have the kinds of resuscitation skills that get taught in the surf lifesaving movement.

“It could have been a terrible start to the summer for this woman’s family, but instead she’s been given another chance at life.”