He's been a paramedic for just five years, but Chris Peck, 30, has earned one of NSW Ambulance’s most prestigious awards for a rescue that was quite literally a matter of life and death.
During last month’s official opening of the Randwick Superstation, Chris was presented with the Commissioner’s Conspicuous Service Medal by Dr Dominic Morgan, Chief Executive.
The Paddington Station paramedic earned the medal – the second-highest NSW Ambulance bravery award – after he and fellow paramedic Shian Watson rescued a patient who attempted to jump head-first from a three-storey window.
The paramedics managed to grab her by her legs and, with great difficulty, pull her back over the railing to safety.
Both paramedics were injured by the patient, who had been suffering a manic episode for two days, before they managed to restrain and sedate her.
“I definitely didn’t join the job for an award, but it’s an honour and an absolute privilege,” Chris said.
“It’s very nice to be recognised for not just the work I do, but the work we all do.”
Along with Chris, 12 other paramedics from the Sydney South East Sector received awards on the day for Long Service and Good Conduct and acts of bravery. Three National Medals were also presented to paramedics.
Along with Dr Morgan, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton were in attendance, joining other paramedics in cutting the ribbon to mark the station’s official opening.
The day also coincided with the final day of Reconciliation Week 2021.
In recognising this, Aunty Rowena Welsh, a Dharrawhal woman born on Gadigal land, gave a Welcome to Country and carried out a moving smoking ceremony.