The quick thinking actions of a Tasmanian Fire Service crew, and three working smoke alarms, are being credited with saving the life of 90-year-old Eunice Sprague.
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The TFS were called to Ms Sprague’s East Launceston home about 4pm on Saturday, after neighbours heard her smoke alarms going off.
On arrival, acting Launceston station officer Adrian Adams said there was no obvious signs of a fire.
“It was a domestic alarm and something we get called out to quite often,” he said.
“We always respond, but in most cases it is a false alarm.
“In this case it was not, and lucky for Eunice, all three of her smoke alarms were working.”
While not a confirmed emergency, Mr Adams quickly made the decision for crews to enter Ms Sprague’s home.
After creating a man hole in the roof, firefighters were able to enter onto the second flood of the house.
“It only took them three or four minutes to get in,” Mr Adams said.
“They did an amazing job and as soon as they were in, they were confronted with all of the smoke.
“They could see Eunice in one of the bedrooms. She was quite disorientated.”
Fortunately the fireman were able to get Ms Sprague safely out of her home.
She was transported to Launceston General Hospital where she remains in a stable condition.
On Monday evening Ms Sprague was treated to a special visit by some of her rescuers, including firefighters Charlie Watson, Jason Buchanan, Jason Luck and Mr Adams.
Her daughter Roz Griffin said the family couldn’t be more grateful for the continued assistance of the Tasmania Fire Service.
“They are our heroes and their actions made the difference between our mother surviving and not,” she said.
“Plus I think it was a real thrill for mum to have a group of fireman visit her at the hospital.
“They didn’t have to do that, but it just shows how much they care about their jobs.
“This all could have ended much differently and our family are eternally grateful for their efforts. They are all superheros in our opinion.”
The smoke in Ms Sprague’s home is believed to have been cause by food, which had been left on the grill.
Mr Adams said without working smoke alarms, her fate could have been a lot different.
“That level of smoke is not good for anyone, let alone a 90-year-old,” he said.
“I would hate to think what we would have come across, if it wasn’t for the quick actions of my crew.
“This is a real credit to them and their skills that we have had a happy ending.
“I would encourage everyone to ensure they, and their loved ones, have working smoke alarms in their homes, as well as an evacuation plan. They save lives.”
The Tasmania Fire Service recommends that smoke alarms be installed in every sleeping area, hallways and at the top of stairwells.
Alarms should be tested monthly, with batteries replaced once a year.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
