Finance Minister Brunner awarded Lifesaver Medal: Large company auditor saved woman and child from the Mur

2023-07-23 10:39:04

Heroic Dedication – Finance clerk becomes lifesaver on afternoon run

Vienna (OTS) – When Michael März from the tax office for large companies went on his daily run on May 10, 2022, he had no idea that he would become a lifesaver that day. For the rescue of a woman and her 3-year-old daughter from the Mur, Finance Minister Magnus Brunner awarded him the Gold Medal with Red Ribbon for services to the Republic of Austria (“Lifesaver Medal”).

The then 37-year-old inspector noticed two cyclists south of the Mur power station, gesticulating wildly and calling for help, who drew his attention to a woman and child floating in the Mur. As it turned out later, the woman, who lives in Graz, and her 3-year-old daughter had previously thrown stones into the water from a concrete platform. The girl fell into the Mur and her mother immediately jumped after her. Both were swept away from the river, and according to their loud cries, they were no longer in control of the situation.

The amateur athlete was immediately aware that only someone who was reasonably fit could really help. Without thinking much, March climbed over the fence, down the steep embankment and, in full running gear, jumped into the freezing water. Swimming, he reached the already motionless child and pulled him to the shore. There, a passer-by helped him to lift the child out of the water – then March headed back into the water. The girl’s mother had already been carried off to mid-river and threatened to drown as well. From March she was brought to the shore with enormous effort, where she was pulled out of the water with the help of another person.

As if that wasn’t enough, Michael März also provided first aid on the spot. Fortunately, the girl’s condition improved relatively quickly. In the meantime, passers-by had started the further rescue chain, and the emergency doctor helicopter finally flew the girl to the children’s clinic at the LKH Graz. The day after the incident, the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz the confirming positive news that the girl and her mother are doing well and they could leave the LKH.

“The award of the decoration is intended to recognize the exemplary, extremely courageous commitment of our colleague Michael März. He risked his own life to save two other people. His selfless commitment is a shining example of the cohesion and humanity that are so important in our society. We can be proud of people like him who stand by others in need,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner at the ceremony on July 4, 2023 in the Ministry of Finance.