Dr Richard “Harry” Harris has worked in anaesthesia, diving and aeromedical retrieval medicine, based in Adelaide, South Australia.
His passion for cave diving goes back to the 1980’s and has taken him to the corners of the globe in search of new adventures.
Harry and his colleagues have explored caves to 245m depth, and shipwrecks to over 150m, in dives lasting over 16 hours. He is an enthusiastic UW photographer and videographer who is now also building a career in documentary films.
Harry has a professional and voluntary interest in search and rescue operations, establishing the first sump rescue training course in Australasia. By building relationships with emergency services locally he has been preparing for such an event. The 2018 Thailand cave rescue was an opportunity to put this training to work.
Awards: In 2018 he received the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest civilian award for bravery, and the medal of the Order of Australia for his role in the Thailand cave rescue.
Harry is the 2019 Australian of the Year for South Australia and the joint 2019 Australian of the Year with his dive partner Craig Challen.
Talking Points
Resilience
Resilience
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
How to focus on goals no matter the odds.
How to focus on goals no matter the odds.
Video
Dr Richard Harris | Anh's Brush With Fame | Saxton Speakers
Dr Richard “Harry” Harris works in anaesthesia and aeromedical retrieval medicine in Adelaide, South Australia. He has expertise in diving, wilderness and remote area health. His passion for cave diving goes back to the 1980’s and has taken him to the corners of the globe in search of new adventures. In 2018 he received the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest civilian award for bravery, and the medal of the Order of Australia for his role in the Thailand cave rescue. Harry is the 2019 Australian of the Year for South Australia and the joint 2019 Australian of the Year with his dive partner Craig Challen.Dr Richard Harris and Dr Craig Challen | Against All Odds | Saxton Speakers
In June & July 2018, millions of people around the world watched and waited for news on the Wild Boar soccer team who were trapped deep in a cave in Thailand. For the very first time and with never-before-heard details, the two Australians at the heart of the operation, Dr Richard (Harry) Harris and Dr Craig Challen discuss the heartbreaking and terrifying realities they faced while attempting to rescue 15 boys whose lives were in their hands.Against All Odds by Dr Richard Harris and Dr Craig Challen - Interview
Thai cave rescue divers, Dr Richard (Harry) Harris and Dr Craig Challen share their incredible insider account in AGAINST ALL ODDS. In June & July 2018 the world's attention was on a cave in Thailand and the 15 children trapped within. It is a story of two Australian's who became international heroes - it is a story of determination, cunning and triumph that will long be remembered.Thai Cave Rescue Divers Share Their Remarkable Story | Studio 10
It was the story that gripped the entire world. Aussies Craig Challen and Richard Harris were part of the rescue team that saved a Thai soccer team from a flooded cave in 2018. Now, they're sharing their story in the new book 'Against All Odds'.Dr Richard Harris was a sheer delight to work with. He went over and above to customise his presentation to our audience which certainly did not go unnoticed. The feedback for his session wa ... keep reading eBusiness Media
Our conference delegation was riveted by Dr. Harris’ presentation. The story of the Thai cave rescue and decision-making in the face of adversity was incredibly inspirational. His talk was one of the highlights of our conference. I could not recommend him enough.
Dr Richard Harris was absolutely outstanding!! Such a humble man with a captivating story. His generosity to share so much of his experience and be so raw was a privilege to listen to. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the audience were eager to ask endless questions of him. Thank you.
