Two young Lanarkshire brothers have been named Scottish Young First Aid Heroes after saving the life of their little sister.
Callum and Fraser McActeer, aged just nine and seven respectively, bravely jumped to the rescue of two-year-old sister Erica after she choked on a 10p coin.
Panic struck whilst the children were playing at the family home in Chapelton. Erica began coughing but Fraser thought it sounded a bit "funny" and got off the sofa to make sure she was okay.
Callum thought she might be choking and instructed Fraser to run for help whilst he got her to her feet, put her across the end of the sofa and began to give her back slaps.
When their mum Julia McAteer arrived, Erica was being sick but still struggling to breathe.
At that point, Julia took over and using her first aid knowledge, gave Erica a final hard slap on the back and dislodged the offending 10 pence piece.
The brothers were hailed for their heroics and quick-minded efforts in this year's First Aid Awards, held in Glasgow last Friday, March 11.
Julia said at the event: “I am so proud of both my sons. They were so calm throughout the incident and even when Erica started being sick, Callum continued to try and get the coin out.
"He later told me he had learned the skill online and through myself, as I am their football team’s first aider.
“They are my absolute heroes.”
Close to 400 people attended the St Andrew’s First Aid Scottish First Aid Awards which were held at Radisson Blu on Cambridge Street in Glasgow and hosted by Jane McCarry, also known as Isa from Still Game.
More nominations than ever before were received, which was more than 60, recognising first aid heroes across the 12 categories.
It was also a winning night for East Kilbride at the Scottish First Aid Awards as group of volunteers were awarded ‘Corps Company of the Year’.
Members of the local company, who all volunteer with St Andrew’s First Aid - Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity - were recognised for their efforts to support their community during the pandemic.
They were also given plaudits for being prepared for any emergency first aid situation and to find ways to deliver vital first aid training via virtual platforms.
Commandant of East Kilbride corps company, Susan Adamson, told Lanarkshire Live : “East Kilbride Company is not just a company within the organisation, it is a second family to members, while providing vital support to the charity to meet its vision that no one should suffer or die as they needed first aid and didn’t get it.
“Covid presented a raft of new challenges for us, but we came together and established ways we could continue to support each other as well as our community through a very difficult time. I am extremely proud of everyone and delighted that we have been recognised in this way.”
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