Press Release

First aid hero makes a life-saving difference

21 September 2007

A young man with learning difficulties has been commended after he was able to help an elderly woman who had suffered a seizure – all thanks to his first aid training with the Red Cross!

David Morton (18) was out with his supervisor volunteering for another charity, which picks up vulnerable people from their homes, when he came across the lady. She had suffered a seizure and was lying helpless at the bottom of her hallway stairs.

Thanks to his first aid training with the Red Cross, David knew exactly what to do. He checked for any injuries, made sure the woman was breathing and placed her in the recovery position. Then he made sure an ambulance was called and waited with the casualty until the paramedics arrived.

Life-saver

David recently completed a Red Cross first aid course at his local Mencap Jobclub in County Down. Presenting the certificate, first aid trainer Martin Frizzell said: “I’d like to congratulate David. We’re proud to have trained him and his actions prove that everyone can be a potential life-saver.

“He was over the moon when we handed over the certificate of commendation. Even better, all his friends from the Mencap Jobclub came along for the ceremony, and they were cheering and clapping for him.

It has been an exciting time for David, but the real icing on the cake came when the elderly woman, now fully recovered, went to see him. Martin added: “She just wanted to get in touch so she could thank him personally for saving her life.”

Emma Rand, who manages the Red Cross’ inclusive first aid project, was over-joyed by the young man’s achievement. She said: “David’s fantastic story demonstrates how people of all abilities can make a life-saving difference with just a little first aid training. That’s why the Red Cross is committed to ensuring that people from all walks of life get an opportunity to learn these vital skills.”