By Sarah Calams
LIDCOMBE, Australia — Intense body camera footage that captured the moment corrections officers responded to a fire in an Australian women’s correctional facility has been released.
YahooNews.com reported that three officers from the Mary Wade Correctional Centre received an award for brave conduct on Sept. 30 after rescuing inmates from the fire on June 12. In the video, officers Andrew Boan, Geoffrey Ronayne and Fraser Leavasa are seen unlocking a cell door to reveal a blazing fire. The video then cuts to an inmate who is lying motionless outside a cell.
The video shows an officer performing CPR on an inmate as another grabs a fire extinguisher. A third officer can be seen carrying an inmate outside to be treated by paramedics. As firefighters arrive on scene, officers can be heard yelling “clear” as they inspect every cell to make sure all inmates have been evacuated.
The video also shows paramedics treating several corrections officers and inmates. It ends with a corrections officer updating inmates waiting in the facility’s gym.
“Take a rest and just breathe, alright, we’ll let you know how the girls are,” he says.
Two corrections officers were taken to a hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation, and seven others were transported as a precaution. Three inmates were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and burns.
“The officers maintained composure in the face of fire and the risk of serious injury, while also demonstrating courage and compassion in saving the lives of the two women in the cell,” Corrective Services NSW’s Peter Severin said. “I’m very proud of the officers’ response to this incident at Mary Wade. They are true ambassadors for Corrective Services NSW.”
The blaze, according to officials, was allegedly started by one of the inmates who used a spark from an electricity outlet to set fire to a mattress. The investigation remains ongoing.