Justin Stokes believes rough weather may have saved his life on August 3. The 70-year-old Bowen retiree was about 50km offshore in a 26-foot boat with his son and a mate when he began feeling light-headed and unwell.
“We were already headed back to shore because of the weather and I wasn’t feeling great when the boat began taking on water; the bilge pump couldn’t keep up as the waves were coming over the front,” Justin said.
“My son and his mate had to start bailing. It was all a bit stressful.”
The trio urgently radioed Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR), advising them of Justin’s history of heart problems. He had undergone a stent procedure in 2023 and still had two blockages. Feeling worse, he was transferred to the rescue vessel and taken back to shore.
Justin declined ambulance transport and was met at the boat ramp by his wife Pamela, who drove him straight to Bowen Hospital.
“I didn’t feel well, but I didn’t think it was going to be a bad problem or issue,” Justin said.
“At the hospital I told them I was starting to get worse chest pain so I was taken in to ED and had just sat on the bed - that’s the last thing I remember before I passed out.”
An after hours admin officer and graduate nurse triaged Justin quickly and moved him to the resuscitation bay. Shortly after, he collapsed.
Bowen clinical nurse educator Tracey Petersen said the ED team acted immediately.
“Within a minute, Justin’s airway was secured, we had commenced CPR and the senior medical officer was preparing to deliver a shock,” she said.
“Within one minute of that first shock, he was back and talking to staff.”
An ECG confirmed Justin had suffered a major heart attack. He was flown to Mackay Base Hospital and spent four days in the Cardiac Care Unit.
“I couldn’t wish for better treatment – they did a fantastic job to bring me back because for a few minutes there I wasn’t of this world,” Justin said.
His wife Pamela added “They really deserve every praise – Justin’s heart is only beating today because of them.”
Tracey said the team’s swift response was the difference between life and death.
Justin and Pamela Stokes. Photo supplied
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