9-year-old commended for saving brother's life

17th June 2013

A number of life saving St John Cymru Wales volunteers will be commended at a special ceremony this weekend.

Among them will be nine-year-old James Reed from Mountain Ash, a youth volunteer for  St John Wales, who saved his younger brother’s life when he was choking on a sandwich.

James has been a member of the Badgers group at the Hirwaun division of St John for around a year, but his Mum Zara didn’t realise that his hobby would ever be put into practice on a family member.

Zara said, “It was a usual Tuesday afternoon late last year, three-year-old Harri and I had picked up James from school and popped round to my Mum’s house, where she’d made sandwiches for them both.

“The boys were sat in the living room eating while my Mum and I had a cuppa in the next room. Suddenly I heard James shout, “Mum, Mum, Harri’s choking!” I ran in to see Harri was red in the face and starting to turn blue.

“James had already begun giving Harri first aid and after three strong back blows the food flew out and Harri was able to catch his breath.

“Harri was a bit shaken after the incident, but James took it all in his stride.”

Only the night before, James’ Badger meeting had joined the older Cadet volunteers and learnt how to deal with a choking casualty.

Zara said, “I’m so grateful that James had been shown the skills needed to save a life. If he hadn’t have been there the outcome could have been very different. I am really proud of him and will be especially pleased to see him commended at the service in Cardiff on 22 June.”

Keith Dunn, Chief Executive of St John Wales, said, “I’m delighted to hear how James was able to help his brother. James and Harri’s experience shows that knowing what to do in the first minutes of an emergency situation could dramatically increase your chance of survival. Our aim is to have a first aider on every street in Wales and this case shows you are never too young to learn these vital life skills.”

A number of other St John Wales volunteers will also be commended at the ceremony in Llandaff Cathderal including Andy King and Mathew Jones, who saved the life of university student James Cory when he suffered a heart attack in Carmarthen last year.

Christopher Nicholas and Jeff Davies, will also be rewarded for saving the life of a football fan who suffered a heart attack at the Cardiff City Stadium in October.

While cycle responders Dean Williams and Chris Burge, who saved another man who had a heart attack before a six nations rugby game in Cardiff in March, will also be recognised.

Keith Dunn said, “Our annual investiture ceremony recognises exceptional St John Wales members for their efforts.

“The service will also see volunteers from across Wales invested as members of the Order of St John. The honour of becoming a member of the Order is granted to those who have shown exceptional service to the charity. We have some volunteers who’ve been giving their free time to the charity for over 50 years.

“This will be a special occasion where their hard work will be acknowledged.”

Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport will be invested into the Order as a Commander Sister, one of the highest honours for St John Wales supporters. Ms Hart will be honoured for her support of the charity, both during her appointment as health minister and in the time since.

Peter Vaughan, South Wales Police Chief Constable will also be invested into the Order for his support of the first aid charity.

**

St John Wales is also holding a ‘Black & White Day’ on Monday 24 June, which will see people across Wales dressed in black and white to raise vital funds for the charity.

Around 5000 pupils at 20 schools across Wales will pay a £1 donation to wear the colours, to further help St John Wales’ life saving work.

Businesses such as the Amelia Trust Farm and the Community Live Consortium are also taking part.

A free first aid pack will be sent to every school and business taking part in Black & White Day. If you would like to find out how you can support St John Wales, contact fundraising@stjohnwales.org.uk

 

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