Paramedic's 'brave' attempt to save son after being called to fatal crash
A coroner has praised a “brave” Tasmanian paramedic who tried in vain to revive his son after being called unknowingly to the scene of his serious car crash.
By chance, Craig Broomhall was on call the night of May 26 last year when Callum Dane Broomhall, 26, hit a tree and died on a remote stretch of road at Meander in the state’s north.
Mr Broomhall was the first paramedic at the crash and did not know his son was involved until he got there.
Callum, who worked as a farm hand, was conscious when his father arrived but could not be saved.
In her findings published on Thursday, coroner Olivia McTaggart passed on her condolences to his family.
She acknowledged Mr Broomhall’s brave effort to attempt resuscitation in traumatic circumstances.
Ms McTaggart noted Callum’s death was an avoidable tragedy as he was not wearing a seatbelt and had consumed about eight beers before driving.
His blood-alcohol level was likely more than double the legal limit.
Callum was discovered in his ute by two other motorists who called emergency services.
Ms McTaggart said Callum’s death emphasised the lethal risk of drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
