Ned Morgan and John Head at St John Ambulance Victoria’s 2025 First Aid Champion Awards at Marvel Stadium, sharing their story.
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It took just five minutes of CPR for Shepparton apprentice Ned Morgan to change the trajectory a life for ever — and now he’s been recognised on the state stage.
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On Tuesday, August 12, 19-year-old Ned Morgan was celebrated at St John Ambulance Victoria’s 2025 First Aid Champion Awards at Marvel Stadium.
He was one of nine people honoured — five winners and four honourable mentions — in a moving tribute to courage, compassion and community spirit.
Ned’s recognition came after his quick-thinking actions in October last year, when Shepparton resident John Head collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest.
Working on Mr Head’s home renovation at the time, Ned had only recently completed a CPR course.
But when faced with an emergency, he didn’t hesitate.
“I saw him on the floor and he wasn’t breathing,” Ned said.
“The operator told me to start CPR — I think I did it for more than five minutes until the ambulance arrived.”
That calm, confident response saved Mr Head’s life.
Just months later, Mr Head himself was awarded an OAM for his contribution to the Shepparton community.
“What Ned did was the difference between life and death,” Mr Head said.
“I wouldn’t be here today without him.”
The story reflects a wider need for first aid awareness.
While 80 per cent of Australians have witnessed a medical emergency, only nine per cent feel very confident responding with first aid.
Ned said receiving the award was a humbling moment.
“To receive the award is a real honour,” he said.
“It’s not something many people get, so it means a lot.”
Jordan Berger (in St John green volunteer uniform), Ned Morgan, Kiri Ferres-Jones, Alice Ducat and Aaron Forster, receiving Victoria’s 2025 First Aid Champion Awards.
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