Quick Thinking and Calm Action Earn Praiseworthy Action Awards
Quick Thinking and Calm Action Earn Praiseworthy Action Awards
A mother and daughter whose quick thinking, calm action and first aid skills helped a young girl during a medical emergency have been recognised with Praiseworthy Action Awards from ACCT UK, the Army Cadet Force Charity.
Colour Sergeant Fiona and Cadet Corporal Abigail Dymore were presented with their Praiseworthy Action Certificates by Commandant Colonel Melanie E Prangnell MBE during a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum.
The awards recognise their actions when, whilst out shopping, they responded swiftly after a young girl suddenly collapsed during an Addisonian crisis.
The girl’s twin brother, understandably distressed after witnessing his sister collapse, called for help. Fiona immediately took control of the situation, placing the casualty in the recovery position and calmly assessing her condition before providing appropriate first aid.
When it became apparent that the girl’s emergency medication was in the family car, Fiona asked her brother to retrieve it. Unfortunately, the vital emergency injection had been left at the family’s home in Birmingham.
Recognising the seriousness of the situation and the potential for the girl’s condition to deteriorate rapidly, Fiona instructed the brother to call 999.
When a security guard suggested that the casualty could instead be taken to hospital by private vehicle, Fiona correctly overruled the advice. She recognised that the girl’s condition could worsen significantly during the journey and that she required professional emergency medical care.
Fiona remained with the casualty for approximately 45 minutes, providing reassurance, monitoring her condition and doing everything possible to keep her stable while waiting for emergency services.
The first paramedics arrived within approximately eight minutes, followed shortly afterwards by the ambulance crew, who took over the casualty’s care.
Throughout the incident, Cadet Corporal Abigail provided outstanding support. Remaining calm, composed and reassuring, she assisted her mother without the need for continual instruction. Her maturity, confidence and practical assistance were exceptional.
The actions of Fiona and Abigail provided vital reassurance to the young girl and her brother during an extremely distressing situation. Their quick thinking, sound judgement, teamwork and adherence to first aid principles demonstrated the highest standards of care and public service.
Their actions are a fine example of the values promoted by the Army Cadet Force and show how the skills, confidence and sense of responsibility developed through cadet service can make a real difference when it matters most.
Presenting the certificates, Colonel Melanie E Prangnell MBE praised Fiona and Abigail for their actions and the calm professionalism they demonstrated throughout the incident.
Congratulations to Colour Sergeant Fiona and Cadet Corporal Abigail Dymore on this thoroughly deserved recognition. They are a credit to themselves and to the Army Cadet Force.