Charley's quick thinking helped save pensioner
When Charley Dekker was playing in the park one day and saw an elderly woman having a heart attack she instantly rushed to help.
While others walked on by the 12-year-old knew exactly what to do from her training as a Scout – comforting the woman and calling for an ambulance.
Now the youngster has received a top Scouting award, the County Commissioner's Commendation, for her quick thinking and calmness under pressure.
'I was so surprised to receive it,' said Charley, from the 1st Catisfield troop in Fareham. 'I didn't really think I'd done anything to deserve it though, but people have said what I did was important.
'I learnt first aid training and what to do in an emergency at Scouts. If I hadn't, I probably wouldn't have known what to do.
'As soon as I saw the woman I just went straight over and dialled 999. I just comforted her and told her it was going to be alright.
'Then a nurse who was passing by came over as well and so we both waited with the lady.
'I was a bit scared for the woman, but I felt calm myself and just tried to make sure she was okay.'
Parents Jan and Kym Dekker are full of pride.
'We're extremely proud of her,' said Mr Dekker, 47, of Margarita Road, Fareham. 'It gives you a glowing feeling, and makes her being a Scout all worthwhile.
'She's so humble about it though, and doesn't realise what she did could have made all the difference.'
Paul Quinn, Charley's Scout leader, told the district commissioner Tony Robinson about her actions in Blackbrook Park, Fareham, in August. He said: 'For someone who's 12 years old to actually stop when everyone else is just walking away, it epitomises what Scouting is all about. It's so important that when youngsters do things like this, they are recognised.'
Mr Robinson said: 'I've put Charley forward for a Headquarters meritorious conduct award, which means her story will go before the Scout Association's awards board.'
The elderly woman was taken to hospital, and police at the scene told Charley she would be okay.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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