Patterson, Mr N.

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (15:34): I rise to put the achievement of Senior Constable First Class Nick Patterson on the parliamentary record and highlight the recognition he deserves. Senior Constable First Class Nick Patterson was awarded the certificate of commendation after responding to an incident at the Millicent swimming lake on 26 December last year. If you think about it, that was the day after Christmas. The outcome could have been very different for this lady and her family had Senior Constable First Class Nick Patterson not been in attendance.

He was performing general solo duties when he observed two people performing CPR on an unconscious female. She was unresponsive, had no pulse and was not breathing. Constable Patterson recognised that the chest compressions were not performed deeply enough and her airway was blocked, so he took over and gave clear and accurate instructions to the person managing the airway. CPR was continued until the arrival of SA Ambulance personnel, whom he assisted with the cardiac compressions and later helped to manage the airway. The certificate of commendation states:

…despite extreme emotional and physical pressure, Constable Patterson remained calm and continued to assist the patient. He provided support to SA Ambulance Service members until the patient was conveyed to the Millicent Hospital and subsequently retrieved to Adelaide where, after treatment, she made a near total recovery. Constable Patterson demonstrated a remarkable degree of courage and self-control under immense pressure. He directly contributed to saving the life of Mieke Owen-Philips. Through his actions, Constable Patterson has brought credit to himself, the Limestone Coast Local Service Area and the South Australian Police.

This is not the first time that Nick Patterson has saved the lives of others. At the age of 16, he pushed two of his friends out of the way of a speeding car and was himself hit, which resulted in a broken arm and leg. Nick attended Sacred Heart College, where he captained the school rugby team. He went on to captain the Brighton Rugby team at the young age of 19 and led them to a state premiership. After this, he joined SAPOL, where he worked on patrols, and then transferred to Millicent, where he lives with his beautiful wife, Joanne, and children, Angas, Drew and Tully. He is a delegate for the Police Association, but his community work extends well beyond his police work.

Nick is a member of Cops for Kids, which raises money for disadvantaged children in our region. Last year, Cops for Kids donated $15,000 to the ac.care fund, where resources will go towards foster carers and foster children with books and literature to assist in their development. Nick has also been instrumental in establishing the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club and serves as an office bearer in this association. I know that his dad is rightly very proud of his son and I commend Nick for his contribution to our community and his tireless service.

I believe that policing is a unique occupation. Whilst everyone is running away from danger, police officers are running towards it, often putting themselves in greater danger to protect us, the community. I would like to note Nick's contribution to our community and have it recorded in Hansard for all time.