July 2010

They did a great job: police

Hero five who helped save man's life may get award

FIVE people who helped save the life of a grey nomad at a NSW caravan park are being considered for a police award.

They leapt into action with lifesaving CPR when the 68-year-old caravanner suffered a heart attack at the four-star, 150-site Gwydir Carapark in Moree.

Acting Police Inspector Matthew Clifford told Caravanning News  the caravanner and his partner had just arrived at the park, a member of the Family Parks chain, when the man collapsed.

"A number of people rushed to assist and gave CPR until the ambulance arrived," he explained. "The man was taken to hospital and later transferred to Newcastle Hospital and released five days later."

He said that but for the swift actions of the five people – one from Queensland, two from the New England area of NSW and another couple from Tamworth – the outcome might have been very different.

"They did a great job. It's wonderful that people in the community will still come to the aid of someone in trouble ... it seems to have become the exception rather than the rule these days."

Acting Inspector Clifford said a report on possible awards was now being prepared for submission to NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione.