At just seven years old, Ella Rawes instinctively knew she needed to get help when her father James was unresponsive after they were involved in a car accident.
Ella climbed out of the vehicle to flag down help, grabbing the attention of a retired paramedic named Gareth, who helped care for Mr Rawes until an ambulance arrived.
On Tuesday, May 3 Mr Rawes left his business Raw Mechanical in Logan Village with his daughter Ella.
His partner Teneika Davis had left several minutes earlier.
Mr Rawes said he did not remember leaving work that afternoon and only remembered waking up at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Mr Rawes’ vehicle hit a tree at about 6.20pm on Wuraga Road, Bahrs Scrub. At this stage there is no indication why the accident occurred.
Ella was left with only one bruise but Mr Rawes had to be revived in the ambulance. He also suffered a broken nose, broken ribs and lacerations to both knees.
Ella said she just got out of the ute and ran to the road.
“I knew I needed to save Daddy,” she said.
“I had to go out Dad’s door because my side was blocked with a tree.”
Ella said despite being scared she had to be brave. “When you are brave you have to save other people,” she said.
Ella was taken by ambulance to Lady Cilento Hospital and kept overnight for observation.
Ms Davis said it was unusual for Ella to stay at the workshop but she had insisted on being with her dad.
Mr Rawes said Ella deserved all the credit.
“I might have died there on the side of the road,” he said. “I’m so lucky she was with me. You are supposed to be there for your kids, not the other way around. My daughter saved my life.”
Mr Rawes said he would like to find the retired paramedic who came to their aid.
