MAN FALLS 200 FEE?

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 8

MAN FALLS 200 FEE?

DROP FROM SYDNEY BRIDq E , r ' EX-NEW ZEALANDHR'S ESCAPE ONLY SHOCK AND BRUISES [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, Aug. 15 The sixth person to fall from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and survive was John Raymond Byrne, aged 50 of Kogarah, who had been unemployed' Friends stated that about 15 years ago he returned from New Zealand with a comfortable fortune won on the gold- "" * fields and was independent for som e years. The driver of a tram, water police in a speedboat and ambulance officers took part in a dramatic race to save Byrne. In the work of resuscitation the police used special apparatus which was recently installed to permit, without delay, the medical treatment of persons rescued from the harbour. Ifc proved highly successful. A city-bound tramcar was passing over the bridge when passengers were startled to see a man standing precariously on the top of the fence in the centre of the bridge. One of his feet was caught in the barbed wire and he was apparently having difficulty in freeing it. The driver of the tram decided that it was useless to stop the tram, as there was insufficient time to go to the man's Instead he accelerated and the tram roared over the bridge to Wynyard station. As soon as the tram stopped the alarm was given and a message was - sent to the water police, two of whom",; sped up the harbour in a swift launch. Under the bridge they found Byrne swimming feebly. He was sinking when they reached him. but he appeared to be conscious when they hauled him on board. The police then used the special apparatus installed for such emergencies. It consists of a mask to fit over the patient's face and a pump which will inject into the patient's lungs alternatively quantities of air and carbon dioxide. The effect is to excite the lungs and thus start respiration. Tn hospital Byrne was found to be suffering only from severe shock and bruises. The height he fell was about 200 ft. Sailors on a berthed vessel saw him hurtling through the air, but no one saw in what manner he left the bridge decking. Byrne's mind is a blank and he could not enlighten the police. He entered the water feet first and was floating.