Darlington six-year-old William's quick-thinking helped save his dad Glyn Byard when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Glyn, 60, and William were at home - with mum Philippa away for work - last November when Glyn suddenly became ill. Glyn had called Philippa to tell her he felt ill, but as she was four hours away, it was up to William to get help.
The brave lad managed to climb to retrieve a front door key before running across to their neighbours and alerting them. Chris Gray, also from Darlington, was renting the barn next door with his family at the time.
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Chris said: "I was working from home when William knocked on the door saying his dad wanted me. When I got into the house it quickly became apparent that Glyn needed urgent medical help. I rang for an ambulance and asked William to wait in another room."
As they were waiting for the ambulance, Glyn went into cardiac arrest. Chris rang 999 again and was able to perform CPR with the guidance of the call handler. This kept Glyn alive until the ambulance arrived.
"I’ve had first aid training previously, but nothing prepares you for having to perform CPR on another person," Chris said. "Whilst it was very traumatic, I take pride in knowing that I helped save another life and the experience will stay with me forever."
Clinical care assistant Sally Scott and paramedic James Devine were the first ambulance crew on the scene. Sally said: “William showed great bravery seeking help when his dad became poorly. He acted in a manner well beyond his age recognising his dad needed help. His actions without doubt helped save his dad’s life."
Paramedic Charlotte Cooper arrived on the scene and the ambulance service team shocked Glyn six times to bring him back to life. Charlotte added: "Glyn was at a very high risk of going into cardiac arrest again. Early help and early CPR are what helped him that day. I hope William will feel proud as if he hadn’t have got help when he did, his dad would not be with us today.
“I still look back at the job and remember how amazed I was he was able to recognise his dad needed help at such a young age."
Glyn was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital before being transferred to James Cook University Hospital for treatment. Glyn spent seven days in hospital before returning home and is recovering well.
Mum Philippa said William had been "totally unphased". She said: "It’s alright Mummy, Daddy is breathing on his own. Can I still go to the school disco?” He was totally unphased and extremely brave.
"I’m eternally grateful to the ambulance crew, 999 call handlers, doctors and nurses who saved Glyn. I also owe so much to Chris and William. Without their bravery, Glyn wouldn’t be here. It’s meant the world for us to meet these life-saving heroes. William is very proud, and we are of him, to receive this award."
Glyn himself added: "I’m so lucky William and Chris were there and acted with such courage. I’d also like to say a huge thanks to North East Ambulance Service and James Cook Hospital."
The ambulance service has praised William's bravery and has awarded him with a certificate or recognition.
CPR, especially if administered immediately after cardiac arrest, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. In just the last year, NEAS call handlers have supported over 17,600 people to do CPR over the phone. For more information on how to give CPR and to use a defibrillator, go to https://www.neas.nhs.uk/get-involved/learning-zone/videos.aspx
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