There is the sadness and tragedy ... then there is Chelsea Mordue.
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Wrapped in a pink baby blanket with tubes connected to her nose, the tiny infant made headlines yesterday as the little girl in the paramedic’s arms struggling to breathe.
But while those around her suffered and one woman lost her life, Chelsea’s story has a happy ending.
“It’s been really sad to hear about people being washed away and for lives to have been lost so I realise how lucky we are,” Chelsea’s mother, Krystle Mordue, said.
Born 14 weeks early, Chelsea’s lungs are premature and she relies on oxygen to help her breathe.
But when power went down in the family’s Gillieston Heights home, Ms Mordue, 28, called for help.
“We ran out of power so the oxygen cylinders Chelsea needs were also running out,” Ms Mordue said.
“I rang triple-0 thinking I’d get an ambulance, but a fire truck turned up and then we had to catch two boats and an ambulance.
“The whole time I was so worried Chelsea would get wet, I just wanted to keep her warm and for her to get the oxygen she needed.”
Chelsea was rushed through floodwaters to Maitland Hospital about 11.30am while police and rescue personnel were conducting a major rescue operation in the Gillieston Heights area.
Tragically, the body of Anne Jarmain, 86, was recovered as part of the operation after her car was swept away in floodwaters along Cessnock Road.
“It was really terrible being part of such a devastating time. I honestly didn’t realise how bad things were. I just couldn’t believe it,” Ms Mordue said.
“The emergency workers were great though. They kept me calm. Everyone was great and I’d like to thank everyone for getting us here safely.”
