NOMINATIONS are open for the St John Ambulance Community Hero Awards.
St John chief executive officer Michelle Fyfe said the awards acknowledged individuals who had shown selflessness and courage to save the life of another.
“It is not an exaggeration to say saving a life through decisive and fast action is incredibly heroic,” she said.
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READ NOWMrs Fyfe said it was important to recognise members of the community who had assisted to prevent death or serious injury.
“Winning a St John Hero Award is a way to honour people whose acts are deemed by the judging panel to be selfless, courageous and which provided a significant benefit to the member of the community being aided,” she said.
Craig Lawrence of Churchlands, one of last year’s winners, pulled a young woman out of a burning vehicle which had crashed along Forrest Highway.
The woman had severe leg injuries and was unable to escape the vehicle.
Moments after Craig pulled her from the vehicle it went up in flames.
“I ran back to my car to get my first aid kit, then I returned to her and had a look at her injuries,” he said.
“She had cuts to her face and hands, a bone protruding from one ankle and cuts on the other ankle and leg.
“(Winning the hero award was) really nice, I feel humbled and honoured – I’m just glad I could help.”
A judging panel made up of representatives from media, emergency and health services will assess the nominations and the awards will be announced at a special event.
There are two awards categories: Meritorious Service Award (for St John staff and volunteers) and Community (adults and youth), for members of the public.
To nominate someone visit: https://stjohnwa.com.au/about-us/community-hero-awards