Col cops CPR

LOCAL police officer Senior Constable Matt Gibb was awarded a St Johns Ambulance Emergency Award last month in recognition of his efforts saving the life of a Cootamundra man.

On November 10 last year Matt was visiting friends in Cootamundra, where he had previously been stationed as a police officer. He was at the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club when he heard a man had collapsed and stopped breathing. A local doctor pronounced the man, Col Maxwell dead on more than one occasion however Matt with the assistance of Cols son Chris Maxwell continued attempts to revive the man.

The two, Matt and Chris, performed CPR until the ambulance arrived and transferred Col to hospital.

Col said he is incredibly grateful to Matt and his son.

Matt is a great bloke and a credit to the police service, said Col.

If it hadnt been for those two I wouldnt be here today, it is as simple as that. They saved my life. If I had a million dollars I would split it between the two.

Col spent months in and out of hospital enduring several operations including five bypass surgeries. His health is now continuing to improve. He said Matt and Chris deserve all the praise and accolades they receive.

I was dead there is no two ways about it.

Col said he lives his life in a different fashion since the night Matt and Chris saved him treating every day as bonus.

It has been 16 months now so that is a lot of time to think. I have a totally different outlook on life, tomorrow is tomorrow and that is as far forward as I am going to look, he said.

Matt was awarded a New South Wales Police Region Commendation from the Police Department for his efforts while off duty.

On Thursday April 27 this year Matt was awarded a St Johns Emergency Award in acknowledgement of his efforts that night. The awards ceremony was the first time that Matt and Col had met face to face since the night Matt saved his life.

It was a very emotional night, it certainly brought a tear to my eye to see him again, said Col.

Col said he hoped the efforts of Matt and his son would encourage others to behave in the same manner.

If they can encourage one person to step up in that kind of situation then a life may be saved.