12 March 2025
A routine run for three sailors in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens turned into a real-life first aid exercise, after they helped an injured civilian who had broken her wrist.
Able Seaman Bharatkumar (Brett) Thumar, Leading Seaman Chris Hughes and Leading Seaman Allyson Marsh used skills they had learned in training to help Liz Cumming as they saw her getting out of a car.
“She stepped out of the car and was clearly not in a good way,” Leading Seaman Hughes said.
“She’d broken her hand and was doubling over in severe pain.”
The sailors spoke with Ms Cumming and called an ambulance, applying first aid and staying by her side until it came.
Leading Seaman Marsh was running when she noticed Ms Cumming’s wrist and hand swelling up because of her injuries. She stopped to help remove Ms Cumming’s restrictive jewellery to lessen any further complications.
“There were around 200 Navy people around the gardens at the time, and almost every one of them came over and asked if we needed help,” Leading Seaman Hughes said.
“I didn’t know all their names, but you could see it in their faces; they were Navy.
“I think anyone in our shoes would have done the same thing, but we’re very pleased to have helped someone. It’s nice to be of assistance.”
Touched by the quick display of support, Ms Cumming reached out to Navy to thank the sailors for coming to her aid.
“I felt completely safe; the three people who helped me are wonderful human beings and great examples from the Defence Force,” she said.
Since her operation, Ms Cumming was able to join the sailors for a reunion hug and a chat in the gardens.
When reflecting on the incident, all agreed it was teamwork.
“We were just in the right place in the right time,” Able Seaman Thumar said.
