Award for accident hero

Earlier this year, he rescued an elderly woman after an horrific car crash ” not the first time he has had to render first aid in a road accident.

The volunteer Bullsbrook firefighter and Silver Chain assessor was a cadet at the St John Ambulance Brigade in Britain, from the age of 12 until he moved to Australia in 2001, when he joined the State Emergency Service.

Mr White (38) has received special commendation for his latest deed in this year’s St John Ambulance Community Hero Awards, which will be presented at a special reception at Government House.

In July, Mr White was waiting at the junction of Beechboro Road North and Marshall Road when he saw two cars collide.

‘I could see and hear from the impact of the accident that there would be injuries,’ he said.

‘I pulled over into the central reservation, placed my hazard warning lights on, checked I had my mobile phone and grabbed my trusty first aid kit, which I have had in my car for more than 20 years,’ he said.

‘I approached the situation remembering the training I had learnt from the age of 12. Danger ” Response ” Airway ” Breathing ” Circulation.’

Without any thought for himself, Mr White helped the elderly woman driver, whose vehicle had crashed into a traffic light pole. He checked her vital signs and kept her calm until emergency services could cut her from the vehicle.

Mr White also gave first aid to the other casualty in the accident, who was suffering from shock and had a leg injury.

‘You never know when you are going to need first aid or who you are going to treat,’ he said.

‘It’s a skill I feel everyone should have.’