Saving a Life as a Security Officer – Daniel Lewis

Daniel Lewis never imagined that a regular night of patrolling would turn into a life-saving moment. As a security professional, he had encountered his share of tough situations, but nothing quite like this. During a shift, Daniel found himself in a critical situation that would test his training, instincts, and resolve.

How It All Began

“I was on patrol when I noticed a woman unconscious on the ground,” Daniel recalls. Another security guard was attempting CPR, but it wasn’t being done correctly. Daniel, along with a tram driver, called out to her, but it was clear from her expression that she was in shock.

“She was doing everything she could, but the compressions were near the belly button,” Daniel explained. “I didn’t want to take away from her efforts, but I knew it wasn’t right.” His recent training gave him the confidence to step in and take control of the situation. He jumped the fence and ran to the scene.

Stepping In

Daniel quickly evaluated the unconscious woman. “She wasn’t breathing, her skin was pale—I knew she needed immediate help.” After checking her airways, Daniel started performing chest compressions, following the 30:2 ratio—30 compressions to two breaths. He enlisted a nearby security guard to assist with breathing while he managed the compressions.

Despite the intensity of the situation, Daniel remained calm. “I kept talking to her, saying everything was going to be alright. It helped not only me but those around us too. I knew the woman likely couldn’t hear me, but I spoke to her anyway.”

The Arrival of Help

When the paramedics arrived, they instructed Daniel to continue until they were fully set up. Eventually, they took over, cutting the woman’s clothing to apply the defibrillator pads. “It was a relief when they took control,” Daniel said. “But I stayed on until I knew she was in stable condition.”

The paramedics informed him that the woman had been stabilised and was going to be okay and Daniel return to his patrol.

The Emotional Aftermath

Despite saving a life, the emotional weight of the event lingered. “It was overwhelming at first. People were calling me a hero, but I felt uncomfortable with it. I kept thinking, ‘Anyone would’ve done the same thing.’” Daniel admits to experiencing imposter syndrome, unsure how to process the praise.

Talking to colleagues helped. “They shared similar experiences and emotions, which made me realise that what I was feeling was normal.” It took time, but Daniel eventually came to terms with his role in saving a life. He learned the importance of emotional debriefing after a traumatic event, particularly for men, who often feel societal pressure to bottle up their emotions.

The Importance of CPR Training

Reflecting on the incident, Daniel emphasises the value of CPR training. “I had just completed my Cert III in Close Protection Operations with Asset College, which included updating my Advanced First Aid and CPR training. The training was so fresh in my mind, it made all the difference.”

For those who feel unsure about learning CPR or worry they won’t be able to perform it under pressure, Daniel offers this advice: “The training is crucial. A situation might seem overwhelming, but it’s actively refreshing first aid every 3 years, undertaking advanced first aid courses if you can and the CPR every 12 months that ensures you have the skills that could save a life one day. Don’t underestimate how important it is.”

Final Thoughts

While the images and sounds of that night remain vivid for Daniel, he understands the importance of unpacking those experiences rather than burying them. “You’ll get flashes, but once you’ve processed the emotions, they won’t be as intense,” he says. “It’s vital to talk to someone afterward.”

Daniel’s story is a testament to the importance of CPR training, not only for saving lives but also for understanding the emotional toll such situations can take. “It’s part of your personal first aid—taking care of yourself after taking care of someone else.”

Daniel entered the security industry to protect human life. “The most important commodity on this planet is the life of a human. I have seen death and the effect it has on those left behind,” he says. “To be entrusted with keeping people safe from harm and trained to be there when things go wrong is something I am very proud of.”

For Daniel, this incident wasn’t just about saving a life; it was about learning how to manage the emotions that follow and encouraging others to be prepared. “If my story helps even one person decide to get CPR-certified, then it’s worth sharing.”

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.