saviours.

The Walcha Rams rugby union star lost his arm in the accident, but would almost certainly have lost his life without the efforts of Colin, Carolyn and Michelle Noon.

The three members of the family were last weekend given a NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner's commendation because of their quick thinking and fast response at the scene of the accident.

The Noons were just about first on the scene and stabilised and treated Mr McLaren until paramedics arrived, Oxley Zone deputy fire controller Peter Roffe recalled.

"They certainly went above and beyond the call of duty, but that is not unusual for them, the Noon family put quite a bit back in to their community," Mr Roffe said.

The Commissioner's Commendation for Service is a highly regarded award in the service, Mr Roffe said.

The citation read: "Captain Noon and his wife Carolyn stabilised the patient, whose injuries were so bad that his life was in the balance, while the paramedics responded.

"Because of the remote location, the ambulance became lost and was guided to the accident by the prompt and steady assistance of Captain Noon's daughter, Michelle.

"Without the professional and dedicated intervention by the Noons, the patient would surely have died of his injuries.

"The commitment and expertise demonstrated by Colin, Carolyn and Michelle brought themselves great credit. The NSW Rural Fire Service is justifiably proud of them."

Mr Noon is the captain of the Woolbrook Rural Fire Brigade; Carolyn and Michelle are members also.

n Mr McLaren's accident led to the successful push to base a Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Tamworth.