David’s a hero

By Kelly Yates
A LYSTERFIELD South man was presented with an Ambulance Victoria Community Hero Award for saving a man who was trapped underwater by an excavator.
David Thomson told the News that in June he saw John Plumridge, 56, working on a pontoon in Mordialloc when the excavator he was driving became unbalanced and fell into the water.
Mr Thomson, and Mr Plumridge’s work colleague Matt McKenzie, jumped into the water and rescued him without any regard for their safety.
“I heard an almighty bang and splash noise and I looked up and saw the excavator upside down and sinking,” Mr Thomson said.
The 43-year-old said Mr Plumridge had his left leg trapped and his head was just below the water’s surface.
“I could see his fluorescent work top in the water,” he said.
“I dived under water and tried to pull him out to get his head above the water but I couldn’t. I used a piece of vacuum cleaner pipe to try and keep John’s airways clear by blowing into it and then, with help from Matt, we managed to free John’s leg from under the excavator.”
Paramedic Jacqui Cook said Mr Plumridge was lucky to have them there.
“We treated John for pain in his leg and hypothermia but it could have been much worse,” she said.
John, who remembers every minute of his ordeal, was excited that his two new friends were nominated for the award.
“I know that without their efforts, I would have definitely drowned,” he said.
Ms Cook said the duo deserved to be recognised for their bravery and quick thinking.
The pair, who were incredibly humbled by their nomination, knew all along that John would be ok.
“John was very brave throughout and we’ve formed a great relationship since the incident, he’s very appreciative and we’re just thrilled that he’s still with us,” Mr Thomson said.
The 2009 Community Heroes received a medal and plaque commemorating their selfless acts in an award ceremony at Parliament House on 19 November.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive officer Greg Sassella said the award recipients were chosen from more than 150 nominations made by paramedics over the past year.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews said 141 Victorians had been recognised since the Community Hero Awards were introduced in 2000.