For his selfless attempt to rescue an injured man from a burning vehicle, Nabiac’s Paul Munro was awarded an Australian Bravery Medal.
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Just after 5am on November 7, 2017, Mr Munro was driving on the Pacific Highway north of Coolongolook when he saw a fire coming from bushes on the side of the road.
On inspection, Mr Munro discovered a vehicle resting on its passenger side facing down the embankment with a small fire in the engine bay.
He quickly dialed Triple Zero (000). Mr Munro began to bang on the roof and call for the occupant.
A man then called out in pain from the vehicle.
Mr Munro climbed up the back wheels and unsuccessfully attempted to open the jammed driver’s door. He returned to the roadside and flagged down a passing motorist.
They tried to roll the vehicle back onto its tyres. By this stage, flames were coming out.
The other driver then opened the vehicle’s boot but on seeing the flames inside urged Mr Munro not to enter.
Despite the warning, Mr Munro squeezed himself between the seat and towards the injured driver.
The car was well alight inside by this stage so Mr Munro assisted the injured man in an attempt to smother it.
Flames and smoke became more intense which then forced Mr Munro to retreat from the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the other motorist obtained a tool from his car and smashed the rear passenger window and the two men attempted to remove the injured man.
They were unsuccessful as flames then engulfed the car.
The injured driver did not survive the incident.
Mr Munro joined 61 other people to receive Australian Bravery Decorations on Monday, August 20.
Australian Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove praised the recipients for their efforts.
“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to put themselves in harm’s way to assist others in need and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian Honours system.
“These awards have drawn national attention to the personal efforts of individuals, made willingly, without thought of personal risk.
“On behalf of all Australians I thank them for their bravery. They are a source of courage, support and inspiration and we are a stronger, safer and more caring nation because of them,” Governor-General Cosgrove said.
The bravery medal is awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.