A TEENAGE boy from Accrington used his first-aid skills to help save a girl’s life after she suffered an epileptic fit.
During a recent trip to the ice arena in Blackburn, Edward O’Brien, a 13-year-old St John Ambulance Cadet, heard a young girl shouting for someone to help her friend Emily.
He found Emily collapsed in the toilets, carefully looked for any injuries and dragged her into a bigger space.
Using the first-aid knowledge he had been taught in the cadets, he then checked the girl’s airway and, realising that she had been sick, carefully cleared it and put her in the recovery position.
The young girl was able to tell Edward her name and that she suffered from epilepsy.
He then called for help and stayed with her, talking to her, until an ambulance arrived to take her to hospital.
Edward, of Manchester Road, Accrington, who attends St Christopher’s High School, said: "I just felt like I had to do something. I couldn’t leave someone who was injured.
"You never know when people might need your help and I’m really glad that I’ve been taught first-aid at St John Ambulance."
The brave schoolboy had also helped a young girl having an epileptic fit at the Accrington Christmas lights switch-on.
Accrington St John Ambulance cadet leader Janet Seddon said: "We are all very proud of Edward. The action he took on that day may very well have saved this young lady’s life but he just takes everything in his stride.
"He’s a smashing young man and a great role model for other youngsters."
Edward is the only person in his unit to receive his carer badge and was due to receive an award to mark his achievements at a cadets’ presentation night on Monday.
In October, Edward’s contribution to the community was recognised when he received a special carers’ award, the Lytham Vase, which is given each year to someone in St John Ambulance in Lancashire who has shown outstanding care skills.
Edward’s dad Terence suffers from multiple sclerosis and needs lots of help at home and Edward gladly helps out by fetching him cups of tea, making sure he gets from room to room safely and generally making sure that he is OK.
His mum Jo-Ann said: "I’m really proud of Edward. He is a really great help at home and never complains. He works very hard at school and also loves going to St John Ambulance where he has learned a lot of new skills, including first-aid."
Edward and the rest of the Cadets and Badgers of St John Ambulance in Accrington meet up every Monday where they learn vital skills, have fun, make friends and learn new things – from DIY to law and kayaking
For more information about St John Ambulance call 01772 252239,
