Reluctant hero to be honoured

CHAOS AND MAYHEM: Gavin enters the fray, minutes before rescuing a woman who couldn’t walk from the advancing fireball.

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THE first hero to be honoured for efforts during Rockhampton’s brush with disaster in October’s bushfires will get a medal today.

But advanced care paramedic Gavin Cousens, who was burnt as he rescued an incapacitated woman about to be enveloped in flames, is reluctant to take the praise that will be lauded him during an official ceremony in the city this morning.

“It was a big team effort and it seems unfair to single me out,” said Gavin, who will receive the Queensland Ambulance Service Meritorious Service Award from Commissioner David Melville.

Recalling the momentous events as householders stood shoulder to shoulder with professional and volunteer firefighters and SES crews to defend homes in Koongal, the 40-year-old described the scene as chaotic.

“I remember as the flames got closer trying to prevent people from going back to their houses to rescue their pets. Some people were hysterical.

“Then there was a shout that a woman was trapped and needed assistance. I ran down the face of the fire to a lady who had fallen and couldn’t walk. My face was burnt when I reached her and she was just a metre or so from the flames. It all happened so quickly it’s a bit of blur, but I just hauled her out of there.”

Gavin, who is studying to become an intensive care paramedic, said the speed with which the fireball hit was astounding.

“One minute there was nothing, the next we were in the middle of it. There was no time to think about what we were doing. We just did it, but I want to emphasise that the only reason I could rescue that lady was because of the huge team effort. There was so much bravery that day.”

He said there was “10 minutes of controlled mayhem” at the corner of Hinds and Poinciana streets.

“A lot of people needed help because the smoke and ash made it difficult to breathe.”

Gavin will be formally recognised for putting himself on the frontline during a ceremony at Kershaw House this morning when a selection of staff from across the Central Region will be honoured for bravery, long service and academic achievement.