When the community steps in

A KILMORE man is recovering well after a fall at Gaffney’s Bakery that saw several community members step in to help him.

Robert and Cathleen Marrett were returning to their home in Kilmore after spending Christmas with their son in Moama.

“Dad suggested we stop at Gaffney’s for a coffee as we had done previously,” his son, Wally Marrett, said.

“The fall was no one’s fault, just an accident as he went to sit down.

“The response from Gaffney’s staff, nearby patrons and two staff members from Heathcote Health was fantastic.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the Heathcote Health (HH) staff who very quickly had the situation under control.”

Fortunately, HH’s chief executive Jackie Kelly and director of clinical care Angie Dredge were enjoying a coffee at the bakery when Mr Marrett fell.

They contacted nurse practitioner Simone O’Brien, who quickly arrived and took charge.

“I heard a bang as I was having coffee at Gaffney’s,” Ms Dredge said. “I thought someone had dropped their coffee but then realised it was more significant.

“There were a few people standing around an elderly gentleman on the floor.

“I introduced myself and knelt down to give assistance.

“I applied pressure to the wounds and checked his pulse.

“He clearly had damaged his arm in the fall and had also sustained a facial injury.

 

“Our nurse practitioner Simone O’Brien also arrived at this point, and we managed to move the gentleman to a more comfortable position before the ambulance arrived.”

Ms Kelly said it was an extraordinary example of community all willing to help.

“Kim, Gaffney’s store manager on duty, supported everyone with coffee, water and logistics,” she said. “The Gaffney’s staff were incredible at managing an incident and keeping the very busy bakery going with all the people visiting.

“The family that assisted were just passing through but absolutely stepped up to assist when needed.

“The leadership that was shown by Angie in the first instant and then Simone taking charge and making the elderly gentleman comfortable was fantastic.

“It was a whole-of-community coming together to help, assist and to ensure the best care was given to the gentleman who had the fall.”

Moey, a witness and helper from a nearby table, said it was a shock at the time but he was glad he could help.

“Helping is all about being human,” he said. “I lost a t-shirt, as I put it under the patient’s head, but it was all in a good cause.”

Mr Marrett broke his humerus bone just below his shoulder, sustained a 7cm laceration to his head which required 10 stitches and another three to his nose.

“Dad is recovering well,” Wally Marrett said. “He has a collar and cuff harness, and the stitches are all out now.

“He is currently in rehab at Echuca Hospital where he is receiving excellent care.

“It will take some time for him to regain his strength, but he is in good spirits.

“Staff at Gaffney’s, Moey and staff from Heathcote Health have all rung several times to ask after him.

“I am incredibly appreciative of everyone who stepped in to help.”