Rottnest nursing team recognised for bravery award following shark attack rescue
What started out as a regular Saturday morning spearfishing trip with friends at Rottnest Island soon turned into a traumatic emergency ocean rescue.
On the surface of the water near Horseshoe Reef, and about 20 metres from the group’s boat, a 38-year-old man suffered horrific injuries to the lower legs when he was fatally attacked by a shark.
The man's friends retrieved him from the water and gave him CPR on the way back to the Geordie Bay jetty where emergency services were waiting for them.
Among the first responders was the team from the Rottnest Island Nursing Post (RINP) – Nurse Practitioner Claire Parsons and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Emma O'Malley.
RINP CNS Fiona Chisolm said the duo met the boat at the jetty and were responsible for the ambulance retrieval.
"Emma was team lead for the resuscitation while Claire ran regular pulse checks," Fiona said.
"They were both actively involved in the CPR efforts as they awaited the arrival of the RAC Rescue helicopter paramedics.
"They worked closely with first responders from WA Police, Rottnest Water Police, Rottnest Rangers, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
"It was a huge team effort with everyone doing what they could to try and save the man's life."
It was these actions that saw all those involved in the rescue receive a Royal Life Saving Bravery Award at the official awards presentation at the State Reception Centre last week.
"It came as a total surprise to the team, and they are very grateful for the recognition," Fiona said.
Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group Executive Director, Luke Dix, said the nomination is testament to the courage and professionalism the team displayed in response to the traumatic incident.
"The event affected everyone there on that May morning so we ensured there was a hot debrief post incident followed by a formal debrief and regular check-ins with everyone impacted," Luke said.
"Our RINP team have been involved in many ocean rescues, and while the care and respect for what they do and the people they try to save is evident each time, it's very special for them to receive recognition from the wider community."
The Royal Life Saving WA Bravery Awards recognise individuals and teams whose actions have contributed to saving, or attempting to save, the life of another person.
The awards acknowledge exceptional courage, decisive action and commitment to helping others with a range of lifesaving efforts, from complex water rescues to lifesaving CPR and first aid.
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