A Tasmanian doctor who amputated a man’s leg in treacherous rapids to save his life has been recognised with Lithuania’s prestigious Life Saving Cross.
Dr Jorian ‘Jo’ Kippax was presented with the honour by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda at a ceremony in Vilnius on July 6, the country’s Statehood Day.
The award acknowledges Dr Kippax’s extraordinary role in rescuing Lithuanian rafter Valdas Bieliauskas, who became trapped in the Franklin River during a white-water expedition last November.
“I was very surprised. It is an incredible honour and an amazing honour for everyone involved, not just me,” Dr Kippax told the ABC.
“The rescue was the culmination of efforts of a large number of people and all of their efforts were integral to its success.
“So it’s a nice award for me, but it’s more for the entire organisation.”
The dramatic rescue operation lasted more than 20 hours, with Dr Kippax performing the amputation underwater after Bieliauskas had been trapped for nearly a day.
Lithuania’s ambassador to Australia Darius Degutis said the award reflected national gratitude for the remarkable rescue effort.
“Many people thought Valdas would not survive. His heart stopped. We weren’t sure about the destiny for Valdas. He is a very, very tough guy. It was a miracle,” Degutis said.
Bieliauskas, who returned to Lithuania in January for rehabilitation, said he was deeply grateful to his rescuers and hopes to come back to Australia.
“Australian people helped me survive and it brings tears to my eyes when I remember their care,” he said.
“If it had happened in a place other than Australia, heaven knows what would have happened to me.”
