Perth GP receives bravery commendation for disarming axe-wielding attacker

Perth General Practitioner Dr Fergus McCabe received a bravery commendation for disarming an axe-wielding attacker who had attempted to kill his colleague, Dr Anna Chaney, in her clinic in 2023. The Governor-General announced 22 commendations for brave conduct that day. Dr McCabe was treating a patient when he heard screams coming from Dr Chaney's consulting room, which indicated the attacker was not a patient he was seeing.

Healey, a former patient of Dr Chaney, had become enraged after she excluded him from the practice and obtained a restraining order. He entered the clinic with an axe and other weapons concealed in a cardboard box. Dr McCabe initially thought one of his colleagues needed help but quickly realized the gravity of the situation. He, along with other staff and patients, sprang into action to help.

The receptionist, thought to be 18 or 19 at the time, and a 12-year-old patient who was waiting to see Dr McCabe, both played crucial roles in helping evacuate the waiting room. CCTV footage revealed that another doctor, Dr Ashleigh, bravely helped her patient escape as the attacker slammed the door behind them. Once the door was open, Dr McCabe entered the room and disarmed the attacker, quickly securing him with the help of a young policeman who had entered the room earlier, knowing he was not the attacker.

Dr Chaney was grievously wounded and required hospital treatment, while the attacker pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Dr McCabe expressed his surprise at receiving the commendation, stating that he was unaware he had been nominated. He emphasized the importance of individuals taking action when they see others in need of help.