Miracle cliff fall survivor Michael Muller has thanked rescuers who battled for seven hours to airlift him from Ellendale Pool last Saturday.

Sporting heavy cuts and facial bruising from the 40-metre tumble, the 17-year-old cracked a huge smile for St John Ambulance paramedic Tim Sonsee yesterday.

The two were reunited for the first time since the end of an arduous seven-hour rescue effort.

Michael is on the mend at home from a broken toe and cheekbone.

The concreter was extremely grateful to all the emergency services who came to his aid.

“I’m very, very grateful for what each and everyone of them did in helping my safety and other people’s safety,” he said.

“If I could do anything to repay them I would — but thanks heaps.”

Mr Sonsee was delighted to see Michael on the road to recovery, but admitted he feared the worst when he arrived at the site of the 000 call.

“Our first thoughts were what are we dealing with and is he alive,” he recalled.

“When you looked at the window (cave) he’s dropped out of, we were really expecting to go there and confirm that Michael was dead pretty much.

“I was really amazed at how well he was going.”

Michael said he felt “blessed” to be alive.

He recalled climbing to explore the cave where he got stung by bees on the neck, but remembered little of the fall.

Waking from unconsciousness on a crumbling limestone ledge 40 metres below, he said he tried to get up but fell back down.

“It was so sketchy, I remember praying the whole time that God would protect me,” he said.

Three of Michael’s friends, who were with him on an overnight Christian group camp, scurried down the cliff in panic to reach their injured friend.

Mr Sonsee said they played a huge part in the rescue bid by following instructions from paramedics cut-off from the dangerous site.

He also thanked Kalbarri GP Philipa Eccles for kayaking supplies across the water.

Michael’s relieved mum Clare hoped he had gained some “common sense and thoughtfulness” from his close call.

She too extended her gratitude to the rescue crews, which included the State Emergency Service, FESA and RAC rescue helicopter personnel.

“Seeing all that they go through and all that they do to ensure someone’s safety was amazing,” she said.

“I’m just so grateful that we have these kind of services.”