Michael saves the day!
Tuesday, 22 February, 2011
Russell alongside Evelyn and Michael with his award in the control room.
When schoolboy Michael Cotter's grandma fell down the stairs he used first aid training taught at school to assist her until the ambulance arrived has been commended for actions by Bedford HEOC.
The nine-year-old was awarded by the East of England Ambulance Service for his bravery and calm thinking when the accident happened. Michael's grandma Evelyn Humphrey, 77 fell down the stairs injuring her hip while she was babysitting for him on December 21.
But thanks to first aid training in special lessons at Bromham Lower School, Michael was able to care for his Nan and dial 999 for an ambulance. Emergency operations room call handler Russell Warren, who took the emergency call, said: "Michael was very calm indeed and bearing in mind his age he did everything right to help us send the appropriate resources to his house."
When emergency services arrived Evelyn was taken to hospital and following treatment she was discharged home. During the visit, Michael was given a guided tour in the control room and received a special award, he also had the chance to meet Russell who praised him for being so calm on the phone.
Michael, who has recently started at Lincroft Middle School, said: "It felt very good and everyone said how proud they were of me. I got through to the final ten in the Bedford's Got Talent competition, but getting this award for helping my grandma felt even better than that."
His mother Joanne, who also attended the ceremony, said: "We are all so proud of him, he didn't panic and did everything that they told him to do on the phone. I definitely think that first aid should be taught in all schools so that children know what to do."
Joanne added: "Just to say a big thank you for Michael's commendation and badge he received (they have been to school already!). He was really thrilled and excited to visit the call centre and meet Russell and to have a look around and see how everything works. It was a very interesting experience for all of us to see what happens behind the scenes."
