DIAMOND CREEK, VIC. — Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics have been praised for their exceptional clinical expertise after identifying the most subtle but life-threatening symptoms of stroke – saving the life of father and ultra-marathon runner, Ashley.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics have been praised for their exceptional clinical expertise after identifying the most subtle but life-threatening symptoms of stroke – saving the life of father and ultra-marathon runner, Ashley.
On a hot day in January 2026, Ashley stepped outside his Melbourne home when he suddenly lost control of the left side of his body.
His daughter Lucy had been out walking the dog, and when she returned, she found him lying on the ground. Ashley was disoriented with nausea and dizziness and was unable to stand.
After initially calling a family member for advice, Lucy called Triple Zero (000), and Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics Kerrianne and Gabby arrived within minutes.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Ashley’s initial clinical assessment did not seem to indicate a stroke.
“Ashley’s pupils were normal, his hand grips were strong, and he was not presenting with facial droop or slurred speech. These are all indicators that typically help confirm a stroke,” said Ambulance Victoria Diamond Creek Paramedic Kerrianne.
“However, Gabby and I knew something was not right.
“We asked Ashley to walk, and we noticed he was presenting with a right-side lean and abnormal gait.
“Although our initial stroke assessment came back clear, his onset of nausea and being off balance caused alarm bells for us.”
After speaking with both Ashley and Lucy, it was clear that these symptoms were completely out of character for someone as fit and healthy as Ashley.
“We had a strong suspicion he’d had a stroke,” Kerrianne said. “His presentation was very out of the ordinary, and our experience told us we needed to act fast.”
Kerrianne and Gabby transported Ashley to the Austin Hospital under lights and sirens, staying with him until he was handed over to the specialist stroke team. A CT (computed tomography) scan later confirmed that Ashley had suffered a stroke.
Ashley spent two nights in hospital before being discharged without any remaining effects. Ashley and Lucy are incredibly grateful to the Ambulance Victoria paramedics who picked up Ashley’s symptoms and ensured he had access to the treatment he needed.
Lucy reflected and thanked Kerrianne and Gabby for their expertise, professionalism and patience in assessing Ashley’s symptoms.
“My dad is like a superhero to me, and to see him weak in the body and scared in the eyes is something I will never forget,” she said.
“I think sometimes we don’t want to think of the worst case. But I have learned it is better to hope for the best while preparing for the worst. I am so grateful the paramedics identified the symptoms that saved Dad’s life.”
Ambulance Victoria Director of Stroke Services Professor Chris Bladin urged the community to familiarise themselves with F.A.S.T. stroke signs (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) symptoms, and if something doesn’t seem right, always call Triple Zero (000) for advice.
“Ashley’s case highlights the critical role paramedics play in recognising stroke symptoms, even when they don’t present in typical ways,” he said.
“Our paramedics’ clinical expertise to detect subtle neurological changes and act quickly can mean the difference between surviving, long term disability or death.”
As for Ashley, he’s back running three times per week and has his sights set on a half marathon.
“Kerrianne and Gabby were wonderful, I am very grateful to Ambulance Victoria, and for receiving the care I needed so quickly,” he said.
