When Lauren arrived at work at Bunnings Altona one day, she never expected she would soon be saving a colleague's life.

Early in August, Lauren was recognised as the Workplace First Aid Champion at the First Aid Champion Awards 2026, honouring her extraordinary actions during a workplace medical emergency that demonstrated the life-saving value of first aid training.

What began as an ordinary workday quickly became a race against time when Lauren's colleague, Chelsea, unknowingly consumed a drink contaminated with an allergen.

Within minutes, Chelsea began experiencing a severe anaphylactic reaction. Her oxygen levels dropped rapidly, breathing became increasingly difficult and her condition deteriorated at an alarming rate.

Recognising the signs immediately, Lauren sprang into action. “I remember specifically, it was 2:30pm, I just finished for my shift at Bunnings and was getting ready to go to my other job, I said goodbye to everyone and I knew Chelsea was behind our return desk, and I popped my head to say goodbye to her and saw she was sitting on the floor.

Her face was kinda like a bit droopy, and she was slurring her words and that’s when I noticed something wasn’t right there, and that’s when I made the split decision of taking her upstairs and take her out of everyone’s eyes.”

Relying on her first aid training, she administered Chelsea's EpiPen and called an ambulance. Remaining calm and focused under immense pressure, Lauren continued providing critical care while waiting for paramedics to arrive. “That was the calmest I have ever been and focusing on Chelsea, because she was the one having issues.”

The severity of Chelsea's reaction became clear when emergency crews reached the scene. “My throat was 3 minutes from closing my airway.” Explains Chelsea. Paramedics were required to administer multiple additional doses of adrenaline before transporting her urgently to hospital.

“The paramedics administered 2 rounds of adrenaline still in the store, before I even left in the ambulance, and then they had to ask MICA to administer more, as I wasn’t able to catch my breath properly, I wasn’t able to breathe so in the way to hospital they administered another 2, being 5 rounds of adrenaline in total”

Looking back on the incident, Chelsea has no doubt that Lauren's quick thinking and decisive actions saved her life.

“I owe Lauren my life; real superheros don’t wear capes, and I am so luck that I have her as a good friend because without her I wouldn’t be here today.” Chelsea emotionally says.

“If it wasn't for me saying goodbye or me still being in there, there would’ve been other complications because I was the only supervisor on the shop floor at that time.” Lauren explained. 

What began as a workplace emergency has since forged a lasting friendship between the two colleagues.

Lauren's actions serve as a reminder that first aid skills can make all the difference when every second counts. “If there is one thing I learned from this is: Learn First Aid!” adds Lauren.

Her ability to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis, respond confidently and remain composed during a critical situation exemplifies the qualities celebrated through the First Aid Champion Awards.

By applying her training when it mattered most, Lauren not only helped save a life but also demonstrated how prepared and confident first aiders can create safer workplaces and stronger communities.

Congratulations to Lauren Griffin, St John Ambulance Victoria's Workplace First Aid Champion 2026, for her outstanding courage, compassion and commitment to helping others.