Miners praise paramedics in public forum
Published on 19 July, 2012
Over 150 people turned out at CQUniversity Rockhampton's campus for a recent forum to hear from two of Australia's true heroes, Todd Russell and Brant Webb, better known as the Beaconsfield miners...
The two ordinary blokes who found themselves trapped in a Tasmanian mine shaft for two weeks visited Rockhampton as part of CQUniversity's public lecture series and to launch the Bachelor of Paramedic Science program...
(L-R): Beaconsfield miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb
The pair spoke about the role of paramedics and emergency workers in their rescue in getting them out alive and relatively well, and about being trapped in the mine for over two weeks.
"The job they did in keeping us sane while we were trapped was exceptional" said Brant.
"We built a real relationship with them. The mental strength they showed not only for us but also for themselves to put their bodies on the line is something we'll never forget".
"They were honest with us about our situation, and I think what's made us build such a relationship with them. We respected them, trusted them" Todd adds.
The pair were also treated to a demonstration of 'Sim Man' the bleeding, vomiting, convulsing and talking simulation mannequins used to train CQUniversity Paramedic Science students.
The event was an educational one for the numerous Paramedic Science students present, which was also attended by Queensland Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter.
