When Shianna and Blake attended the Safety in Action awareness event, run by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, little did they know that soon they would be putting into practice what they had learned. The Year 6 pupils from King Offa School did particularly well in the first aid session – learning what to do when somebody had collapsed.
Just a week later, the two young children were walking near Egerton Park when they came across an elderly gentleman collapsed on the pavement. They asked him what was hurting and if he wanted an ambulance. Initially he said no, it was just a knee problem.
They decided he needed help so dialled 999. Although a bit nervous they explained the situation and where they were. The call handler advised that they put him in the recovery position – which they did, having practiced it at the Fire Station. They also answered questions about his ability to speak, how well he was breathing and whether he was pale or red in the face at all.
While waiting for the ambulance they both chatted to the gentleman. As time went by they called home to explain what had happened and that they would be late home. Shianna said “we didn’t want them to worry about us and we wanted to let them know we were ok.”
After the man was put into the ambulance they started their journey home and were met by Shianna’s mum who picked them up. Blake said he had a bit of a job convincing some people about what had happened.
The two children were presented with a special certificate and medal by Bexhill Lions Club. Sue Cassell, who heads up the youth committee said “We have supported Safety in Action for a number of years as we feel it brings home to the pupils how to avoid risks and dangerous situations in a “hands on” learning environment. These two did such a fantastic job and deserved to be recognised.”
They both said they got a lot out of the event, especially concerning railway safety, car stopping distances and electrical safety. They have also been working through the supporting safety booklet which everybody is given. When asked what their advice would be to pupils going
