At just 34 years old, Drew has already experienced moments most healthcare professionals never forget.

But during last year’s Melbourne Marathon, the quiet and humble St John Ambulance Victoria volunteer found himself supporting one cardiac arrest response before helping save the life of another runner just 10 minutes later.

Among them was half-marathon runner Lewis, who collapsed just metres after crossing the finish line before being brought back to life through immediate CPR and defibrillation delivered by St John volunteers.

For Drew, the day remains a blur of adrenaline, teamwork and instinct.

Earlier that morning, Drew had responded to another cardiac arrest near the finish line, where he supported an Ambulance Victoria worker already performing CPR, helping manage the scene and preparing to step in if needed.

Just minutes later, while moving through the packed crowd alongside fellow volunteer Svetlana to attend another patient, everything changed again.

“We were heading to another case when this guy suddenly stopped right in front of me,” Drew recalls.

“I could tell immediately something was very wrong.”

With tens of thousands of spectators crowding the finish line, Lewis collapsed to the ground only metres away from Drew.

“I rolled him over, checked for breathing and started CPR straight away,” he said.

“I remember thinking how unbelievably lucky the timing was. I just happened to be right behind him when it happened.”

As Drew began chest compressions, Svetlana quickly realised he was no longer behind her and rushed back through the crowd carrying critical equipment, including the defibrillator.

Working side-by-side in chaotic conditions, the pair coordinated CPR, oxygen and defibrillation until additional responders arrived on scene.

“It was mayhem, but controlled mayhem,” Drew said.

“You don’t really think about anything else in that moment except getting that person back.”

Drew said the experience reinforced just how important teamwork is in emergency response and praised Svetlana for her calmness and professionalism under pressure.

“I have a lot of gratitude for Svetlana and how well we worked together that day,” he said.

“She did an incredible job. None of these situations are ever handled alone; it’s always teamwork.”

Days later, Drew learned both patients had survived.

“It honestly felt like an honour to be part of helping save someone’s life,” he said.

“There was a lot of gratitude. We train so much for these moments, and on that day everything just clicked.”

Following 10 days in hospital, Lewis later shared his story publicly, thanking the volunteers who saved his life.

“Luckily St John paramedics were on hand,” Lewis wrote.

“I received CPR, a shock from a defibrillator and further CPR which saved my life.”

Now living with an implanted cardiac device, Lewis says he has been able to return to a normal life, something Drew hopes to one day hear firsthand.

As part of National Volunteer Week, Drew says reconnecting with the people whose lives were changed that day would mean the world, and he is looking forward to a reunion, which will be taking place at St John headquarters between himself, Svetlana and Lewis, later this month.

“I’d love to meet them again,” he said.

“You never really know what happens afterwards. You hope they’re okay, but hearing they survived was pretty emotional for all of us.”

Born in Frankston and raised in Red Hill, Drew joined St John Ambulance Victoria while studying nursing, looking for hands-on experience and a way to give back to the community.

More than a year later, volunteering has become much more than that.

“You end up building really strong friendships,” he said.

“It feels like you’re catching up with your mates while also helping people.”

Currently working at Frankston Hospital while completing placements across Victoria, Drew hopes to eventually move into emergency and critical care nursing, before one day returning overseas, where he previously lived in Canada.

Despite his calm nature, Drew thrives in high-pressure environments and says volunteering has pushed him far beyond his comfort zone.

“The best way to learn is to throw yourself into situations you don’t think you’re ready for,” he said.

“You’d be surprised what you’re capable of when the moment comes.”

For Drew, National Volunteer Week is not about recognition, it’s about community, connection and showing up when people need help most.

And for Lewis, that willingness to step forward made all the difference.