WA; Bravery award for ex aarmy medic

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-1999
WA; Bravery award for ex aarmy medic

EMBARGO - Monday 23 August 0001



PETER FORD has received a bravery medal for pulling two young men from an overturned
utility which crashed off Rockingham Rd south of Perth in May last year.

Spot fires surrounded the utility and 42-year-old Mr FORD, a security officer, could smell
petrol. Fallen powerlines were resting on the utility's tyres.

Mr FORD called for help on a portable radio, before crawling under the powerlines and
rescuing the two occupants of the vehicle.

He also helped a third man thrown from the back of the ute lying near a powerline, who
suffered horrific injuries.

Mr FORD became friendly with one of the young men he had rescued, later learning that the
man thrown from the ute had committed suicide.

Despite the danger of the rescue Mr FORD, a former Army medic and trained nurse, says he
acted instinctively.

AAP pr/rp/rat

KEYWORD: BRAVERY FORD (PERTH)

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