Cassie is a NZ Cadet Force member and recently she was presented a New Zealand Cadet Forces Commandant Commendation by the Commandant NZ Cadet Forces, WGCDR Mark Henderson, regarding her actions on the evening of 21st November 2021.

New Zealand Cadet Forces Commandant’s Commendation Citation Cadet Cassie Thornley

On the afternoon of 21 November 2021, Cadet (CDT) Cassie Thornley of Timaru Cadet Unit, was travelling home from a Unit activity in a car when the driver, unbeknown to CDT Thornley, suffered a medical event resulting in an accident. After ensuring the very disorientated driver and another passenger safely got out of the vehicle, CDT Thornley took control of the situation. She called emergency services and very calmly explained the situation.

Local farmers arrived on the scene and CDT Thornley assisted them in moving the now unresponsive driver to the farmhouse, under the guidance of a Doctor who happened to be passing by, whilst awaiting the arrival of emergency services. CDT Thornley calmly advised the Doctor of the driver’s medical condition and went to see if she could find any medications in the vehicle. CDT Thornley advised a Fireman assisting the situation, based on courses she had attended as a Cadet, what she thought had occurred. This, indeed, proved to be the case prognosis.

CDT Thornley’s calm and collected actions were commented on by all involved from the immediate response up to the point where the driver was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital. Given the driver was a relative of CDT Thornley it could have seen an entirely different reaction from CDT Thornley but her Cadet training and experience allowed her to remain calm and focussed, belying her 13 years of age. Her exemplary actions went some way to ensuring a positive outcome in this situation.

CDT Thornley’s efforts during this incident demonstrated admirably the values of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, and were a key component assisting control the situation. CDT Thornley bought credit upon herself and New Zealand Cadet Forces therefore she is a worthy recipient of a Commandant’s Commendation.

M Henderson

Wing Commander, RNZAF

Commandant