Paramedic student helps save mum thanks to young son

A GCU student has played her part in honouring a heroic six-year old who came to his mum’s rescue.

Melissa McCall is in her second year studying Paramedic Science and is currently on placement with the Scottish Ambulance Service, based at Maryhill Fire Station.

During a routine shift, Melissa was called into action alongside her mentor, John McCue, and ambulance technician, Ailsa McConnell.

She explained: “I went down to the ambulance and looked at the screen that tells us the job. I was ‘attending’ that day, which means it’s my responsibility to look after the patients and make decisions with the support of John. I’m still getting used to these calls coming in and try to forward plan for what I’m going to do when I get there.

The screen said ‘child caller, can’t wake mummy up’, which was very daunting. I instantly though ‘this is a kid, how am I going to get information out of them’.”

Despite initially feeling apprehensive about attending, Melissa was amazed when she arrived at the scene in Drumchapel and was greeted by superstar, Benji.

She explained: “I was expecting to have to ask lots of questions to get him to communicate but he was incredible; the front door and close door were open for us and he’d already phoned his uncle to come and get him.

When we got in the house, Benji’s mum was only responsive to voice and her temperature was very high – it was clear she wasn’t well. The decision was made that she had to be transferred to hospital, but before she left Benji gave her his favourite teddy bear because he didn’t want her to be lonely.”

Benji’s quick thinking paid off and Melissa and the rest of the crew were able to act quickly to help his mum.

Melissa said: “There was the added complication that she was 32 weeks pregnant, so it was a very serious situation – thankfully she was alright.

While we were trying to keep her calm in the ambulance, she kept asking about Benji and if he was okay. She then mentioned that he wanted to be a fire fighter, which led to John and I having our *ding* moment of getting him in at the station – we knew we had to do something!”

Melissa and John then set-up the chance for Benji and his mum to visit and get the full fire fighter experience.

Melissa said: “Everyone at Maryhill Fire Station was great and they were absolutely over the moon to get Benji in.

He got a tour of the station and was also in the fire engine, it was just great to see him so happy. He even got the hose out and soaked us with it! We had also spoken to SAS to get him a wee certificate in recognition of what he did and John got him a fire fighters hat and some sweets.”

Melissa added: “I don’t actually think Benji appreciates what he did that day. Goodness knows what would have happened if he hadn’t acted so quickly – he’s a wee hero!”

By Ross Clark              
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