A Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) fleet mechanic has described how she rushed to the aid of a heavily pregnant woman, trapped by a car fire in Sydney’s Eastern Distributor.
Belinda Jackson, a civilian with FRNSW’s fleet division, was driving her service truck through the tunnel when she noticed a couple standing next to their burning car, stationary in the southbound lanes.
Belinda stopped the truck, assessed the situation, and then repositioned the FRNSW vehicle to protect the pregnant woman and her partner from traffic rushing past.
Extinguishing the car fire
Taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation, Belinda was discharged this afternoon
She then ushered the couple into the cab of her truck to protect them from the heavy black smoke issuing from the car.
The three waited until traffic was stopped, and two Fire and Rescue NSW crews, wearing breathing apparatus, entered the Distributor tunnel to extinguish the car fire. Belinda then turned her truck around and followed a Police motorcyclist, driving the couple out of the tunnel to safety.
NSW Ambulance paramedics then assessed the mother-to-be, in the late stages of pregnancy and celebrating her birthday, and her male partner…in good health, despite the stressful experience. Taken to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation, Belinda was discharged this afternoon.
Scouting background
“I just did it, really,” the FRNSW mechanic said, “I knew they couldn’t stand there in the smoke, so I just wanted to offer them refuge. They (the couple) were very grateful and happy to be out of the toxic smoke.”
“I’ve always been somebody to help, and I suppose that comes from my scouting background…giving back to the community.”
Belinda’s actions have been heavily praised by senior firefighters, proud that FRNSW’s civilian employees are also ‘Prepared for Anything’ and ready to ‘Protect the Irreplaceable.’
