Community & Business
17 August, 2022
Local Hero award for saving friend
A WOMAN who saved the life of her friend on a remote Cape York cattle station has been crowned the 2022 RFDS Local Hero Award winner for the Cairns region.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service has announced its eight Queensland regional Local Hero Award winners for 2022, including Emma Jackson who lives on Wolverton Station on the Cape York Peninsula.
In late December last year, Emma’s friend, Karryn Dolan, and her husband Peter were visiting the Station when Karryn suffered a “widow-maker” heart attack.
With the town of Coen more than an hour’s drive away, and the nearest hospital hundreds of kilometres away, Emma used the defibrillator machine on the property and performed CPR for an hour to help Peter bring his wife back to life.
Karryn was taken by ambulance to Coen where the RFDS stabilised her and flew her to Cairns Base Hospital where, thanks to Emma’s bravery and never-give-up spirit, she made a full recovery.
RFDS (QLD) chief executive officer Meredith Staib congratulated Emma on winning the award.
“Often local heroes within our communities are quiet achievers who don’t always recognise themselves as heroes – but they absolutely are,” Ms Staib said.
“From first responders and fundraisers to volunteers, fashion designers and healthcare champions, each of these individuals do amazing work to support their region.
“Some also have their own first-hand experience of the life-saving work of the RFDS, which has personally driven them to give back to their community.
“Supporting Queensland communities is at the heart of the RFDS, and it truly is a team effort, so thank you to all of this year’s winners and nominees for the unwavering support you provide to your communities each and every day.”
The annual Awards, supported by Ergon Energy Retail, recognise Queenslanders who have donated their time and energy to support their community.
To celebrate their selflessness, kind contributions and community spirit, Ergon Energy Retail will award one RFDS Local Hero a $20,000 grant to help fund a vital health or wellbeing initiative in their community.
Voting is now open for the overall 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero.
“Each regional winner’s story is showcased in a video package on the Local Hero website. You can watch these videos and cast your vote for the person or group you would like to see crowned this year’s Queensland Hero,” Ms Staib said.
To vote for the 2022 RFDS Queensland Hero, go to www.rfdslocalhero. com.au by 16 September.
