Hero cave dive rescuer Dr Richard ‘Harry’ Harris trained in the Top End

HERO anaesthetist and cave diver Dr Richard ‘Harry’ Harris, who played a major role in the incredible rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a Thai cave, received his world-class training in Darwin

Dr Richard Harris, right, and his diving partner Dr Craig Challen, are awarded the Star of Courage and Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for their roles in the incredible Thailand cave rescue. Picture: Kym Smith

HERO anaesthetist and cave diver Dr Richard ‘Harry’ Harris, who recently helped rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach from a Thai cave, received his world-class training in Darwin.

National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre executive officer Professor Len Notaras said Dr Harris did an Australian Medical Assistance Team course with them in 2013.

Cave diving expert Dr Richard Harris, left, and his diving partner Dr Craig Challen were crucial to the rescue operation which successfully saved 12 boys and their football coach from a flooded cave in Thailand

“AUSMAT is a training program which is hosted in Darwin,” Prof Notaras said.

“It trains first-responders and support people.”

Prof Notaras said Dr Harris kept his training up to date and remained on NCCTRC’s closely monitored database.

After it was suggested Dr Harris would be suitable for the daring rescue, ­international representa­tives were put in touch with ­Darwin’s NCCTRC to check his credentials.

“He (Dr Harris) put his own hand up in the first instance and, having put his hand up, they came to us and said, ‘are you aware of this training?’” Prof Notaras said.

“When they found he was on this database and current on our database – they were very quick to say ‘he's our man’.”

Prof Notaras said the NCCTRC had a very strict set of guidelines, with support from the World Health Organisation, and was established following the 2002 Bali bombings.

Federally funded, the centre aims to enhance Australia’s capacity to provide clinical and academic leadership in disaster and trauma care.

On Tuesday, Dr Harris was one of nine Australians involved in the Thai rescue to receive medals from Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

Dr Harris was recognised for his crucial role in diving into the cave to assess whether the boys were fit enough to make the dangerous journey to the surface

The daring rescue mission in the treacherous confines of a flooded cave in northern Thailand saved all 12 boys and their soccer coach who were trapped deep within the labyrinth, and ended a gruelling 18-day ordeal that claimed the life of an experienced volunteer diver and rivetted people around the world. Picture: Thai NavySEAL Facebook Page

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He was awarded a Star of Courage and Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

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Previously, Dr Harris and his diving partner Dr Craig Challen said the rescue was almost beyond their imagination.

They thanked the soccer team for “placing their trust” in them to get out safely.