Port Kennedy teenager Ella McIlveen receives highest bravery honour

A Port Kennedy teenager has received the highest level of recognition in the Commonwealth for her brave efforts saving the life of a man hit by a truck.

Ella McIlveen was presented with the Royal Life Saving Commonwealth 2023 Russell Medal at Royal Life Saving WA’s annual bravery awards on October 4.

It came after Ms McIlveen received a Gold Cross at the 2023 ceremony for administering first aid and CPR that led to the survival of a man after a crash in November 2022.

The Russell Medal is presented to a person aged under 21 for the most outstanding resuscitation or attempted resuscitation performed by a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

It represents the highest level of recognition within the Commonwealth. Ms McIlveen is only the fourth Australian to receive this award since it was established in 2000.

Ms McIlveen was just 17 when she was driving in a car and saw a crash between a pedestrian and truck on the Kwinana Freeway in Baldivis.

She pulled over and approached the 31-year-old man, who was unconscious and not breathing.

The teenager, who had recently learnt CPR at school, directed the emergency response and attended to the unconscious victim’s bleeding head before performing CPR.

After a few minutes, the injured man began breathing independently and Ms McIlveen continued to provide first aid until emergency services arrived.

According to RLSWA, she remained calm and performed under great pressure, ultimately saving the man’s life.

Ms McIlveen later met the man she saved and his family, telling The West Australian at the time: “They actually came over to my house, and they brought me flowers, and we sat down, and we cried”.

“It was just surreal, knowing that I was able to give him that time with his family and to help him recover,” she said.

“I know I’m young and I don’t know a lot of things, but life is very delicate and I think that’s really helped me realise that.”

She was one of 68 West Australians recognised at the awards, with other recipients including Lesley and Russell McCarthy, and James Dean who tried desperately to save the lives of a four-year-old girl and six-year-old boy who drowned in the Swan River during New Year’s Eve celebrations along Burswood foreshore last year.

Dirk Matthiesen received the Gold Cross for his heroic act in smashing a window to gain entry to a Roleystone home on fire in January.

He rescued two young boys from the blaze and re-entered to search for their mother, but she could not be saved.

RLSWA chief executive Peter Leaversuch said the award recipients were “true heroes”.

“Whether they were in the right place at the right time or acting as part of their professional duty, they all displayed incredible courage in the face of danger to save another person’s life,” he said.

“Their stories remind us of the importance of lifesaving, rescue and first aid skills and the difference that a well-prepared community can make.

“The fact that these rescues took place in such diverse locations — from the city to rural areas — shows that emergencies can happen anywhere at any time.

“It’s a reminder to all of us to be prepared. Whether it’s improving your own skills in CPR, first aid or rescue techniques, raising awareness among your family, friends, or colleagues, or offering help to someone in need, there are many ways to make a difference.”