Cadet’s skills save best friend (From thisisoxfordshire)

Cadet’s skills save best friend

12:07pm Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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YOUNG ambulance cadet Sam Howe knew she would one day have to use her skills.

But the 16-year-old could not have imagined who that first person would be — her best friend Gemma Johnson, aged 15.

The pair were at a party in Wootton, when Gemma — who suffers from epilepsy — started acting strangely.

Recognising the early signs of her friend’s condition, Sam, who lives in the village, took her outside, put a sleeping bag under her head, and put her in the recovery position, as she shouted for somebody to call an ambulance.

While another friend grabbed Gemma’s medication from her bag, Sam tended to her friend and accompanied her to hospital.

A paramedic from South Central Ambulance Service paid tribute to Sam’s “fantastic” help.

Sam, a pupil at Marlborough School, Woodstock, has been a St John Ambulance cadet since she was ten, and revealed Gemma’s parents had discussed their daughter’s condition with her the day before.

She said: “They told me what to do and how to use her medication if needed.

“Luckily, the ambulance crew got there first.

“I was very nervous when it was happening because I have known Gemma since I was six years old. But I also felt confident, because I knew I had these skills.

“It was lovely to be able to help my friend, and I’m just glad she was OK.”

Later this month, Sam will visit Buckingham Palace to receive the Grand Prior Award from the Princess Royal – the highest accolade a St John Ambulance cadet can receive.

The award, which is not connected to the help she gave Gemma, is presented to young people who have completed 24 different subjects, including first aid and care.

Sam added: “I am pleased to be getting the award, and looking forward to going to Buckingham Palace. It’s exciting.”

Paramedic Bonnie Ellerbeck said: “The first responder in Wootton was not available that night to provide emergency medical treatment while we were en route to the patient.

“Sam was, and did a fantastic job. She was able to brief our crew on the patient’s history, give details of what had happened to her that night, and of her medication.

“This meant we were able to treat the patient in the most appropriate way and to quickly convey her to the hospital.”

Ann Neville, senior county officer of St John Ambulance Oxfordshire cadets, said: “Sam’s been a cadet since she was ten years old, and helps the unit leader run Carterton cadet unit.”