Tributes flow for Jay Reynolds

A NSW Ambulance paramedic will today be recognised for his bravery following a dangerous rescue involving the tragic death of Port Macquarie teenager Jay Reynolds at Nobby’s Beach in July this year.

Acting Inspector Joshua Smyth will be presented with the Commissioner’s Conspicuous Service Medal as part of the 2016 NSW Ambulance Graduation, to be held at City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney.

The paramedic was one of the first emergency services personnel to arrive at the scene where fifteen-year-old Jay lost his life after a fatal leap into the blowhole on July 25.

It is believed Jay struck his head and lost consciousness after misjudging his jump into the notorious blowhole.

Another teenager – a 16-year-old male – suffered abrasions to his back when he also got into difficulties at the notorious local landmark trying to save his mate.

A/Insp Smyth said he received a call to the blowhole following reports of a drowning. On arrival, he and a police officer scaled a headland then made their way in a dangerous descent to the beach and across a rock platform.

“Three people were in the water, one of them holding up an unconscious male. As I got closer he indicated he couldn’t hold him much longer,” A/Insp Smyth said.

“I removed my boots and outer clothing and dove in, swimming about 20m to the unconscious patient. I asked the other two guys to swim back to shore and then I followed with the patient.”

A/Insp Smyth was able to get the unconscious patient onto the rock platform where he assessed him and confirmed no signs of life.

Due to the unsafe nature of the environment, it was determined the deceased could not be retrieved over the headland, and would have to instead be transported via an inflatable rescue boat. 

A/Insp Smyth, with the assistance of a lifeguard, placed a rescue tube around the deceased, re-entered the water and swam his body to a waiting IRB. He then accompanied the body to Flynn’s Beach.

While such a rescue is not included in the brief of a non-specialist paramedic, A/Insp Smyth said he had no hesitation diving in.

“I’ve been in the water pretty much all my life - I do a lot of ocean swimming as a triathlete and I’m a lifesaver at Flynn’s Beach Surf Life Saving Club. So the idea of getting into the water wasn’t too much of a stretch,” he said.

“When I got the letter for the award I was pretty shocked. I didn’t think I deserved it. But it’s pretty fantastic all the same.”

A/Insp Smyth is among 457 paramedics and staff to be honoured at the annual graduation ceremony, which acknowledges the achievements of new and existing personnel who have completed their training to enter NSW Ambulance, or further honed their skills to qualify for one of the many specialist roles within the organisation.