When Pierce Jackson set off for a swim at Black Head Beach in early April he never dreamed the afternoon would wind-up with a full-scale cliff rescue complete with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
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And, that a couple of months later the 16-year-old school boy would be acknowledged for his swift actions on that autumn afternoon with a Certificate of Appreciation from the NSW Police Service.
Pierce had only just arrived on the beach when he was told a teenage girl had fallen 20m from a cliff at the base of Godfrey's Gap (on the Black Head headland).
Trained in many aspects of emergency first aid, the young Black Head Surf Lifesaving Club cadet didn't hesitate. He collected a neck brace, spinal board and first aid kit from the clubhouse and ran to the scene of the accident.
When he arrived the young woman, who was located down an almost inaccessible section of the headland and many metres below the cliff face, was clearly in a lot of trouble, in shock and pain.
Minutes later a fire and rescue officer with abseiling gear arrived on the scene, reached the girl and secured her on the spinal board until more help arrived.
While paramedics arrived within a hour it was well past 8pm before the patient was lifted on-board the helicopter and taken to John Hunter Hospital – much to the relief to Pierce and all the personnel.
“Thank God she was now safe,” Pierce said to himself at the time. Throughout much of the rescue operation the teenager slipped in and out of consciousness.
Pierce believed she was lucky to have survived the fall, which he estimated was more than 30 metres.
Last month Pierce received a Certificate of Appreciation from NSW Police Manning Great Lakes Command for his response and efforts during the rescue.
A humble Pierce said he felt pretty honoured to receive the recognition.
“I did a good thing, but I didn't expect to be recognised; I was just doing my job.”
The Great Lakes Senior College, Tuncurry student attributed his knowledge of first aid and how to deal with an emergency situation to a long-time association with the surf lifesaving movement.
Pierce joined Black Head Surf Club as a seven-year-old nipper.
Lending a hand is second nature to Pierce, who never hesitates to volunteer.
“I feel good helping others,” he said.
Parents Linda and Craig said Pierce made them both very proud.
Linda said lending a helping hand was part of Pierce's nature.
“He wants to help everyone,” Linda said.
Following his heroic efforts, Pierce headed off for a four day surf life saving youth camp for the Lower North Coast branch.
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
