Being prepared pays off for hero Scout

Tuesday 19 March 2019

Young Jack Garbutt is his dad's hero after rushing to help him when he collapsed at home, putting his recent first aid training into practice.

The teenager then looked after his father until paramedics arrived, earning the respect of the medical professionals as well as his family and friends.

His Scout group had recently held a first aid session with part-time St John first aid trainer Eric Grimsley, meaning Jack knew how to carry out the primary survey and put his dad in the recovery position.

He said; “I didn’t think I’d ever need to use my first aid knowledge, but it was definitely handy to know what to do."

Pictured: Paramedics were called but Jack helped his dad until they arrived. 

Jack’s dad, Alan, had recently had an operation and was recovering at home when he was taken ill and lost consciousness. “I remember feeling unwell and thought I was going to be sick. The next thing I remember is being on the floor in the hallway,” he said.

Luckily his son immediately remembered his training and checked if his dad was breathing before placing him in the recovery position. “It all came back in a flash. It’s amazing what you can remember when you need to,” explained Jack. 

“Luckily dad fell in the middle of the hallway, so I had plenty of room to roll him onto his front. He started to come round, but I was worried he might lose consciousness again or vomit, so I wanted to make sure his airway was clear.” 

While Jack was giving first aid his mum called 999 for an ambulance. “I could tell mum was panicking a bit, so I also tried to keep her calm too,” recalls Jack.  

When the ambulance arrived the crew carried out an assessment and examination and took Alan to hospital for further tests.

His dad says he is very proud of Jack for what he did. 

“He did really well. I don’t remember anything, but I’ve heard what Jack did and I’m really grateful he was there. I wasn’t aware he had just done his first aid training at Scouts, but I’m pleased he was listening and paying attention on the course.” 

Pictured: St John trains volunteers which man events across the Bailiwick annually. 

St John first aid trainer and Scout Leader Mr Grimsley who had done the recent training with the Scouts had also shown them how to give CPR, what to do when someone is bleeding, how to put on bandages and how to treat burns. Jack also learnt and what to do in an emergency medical situation. 

Mr Grimsley said; “I teach so many people First Aid, and many of them never have the cause to use their First Aid skills;  I am delighted that Jack was able to remember what to do, and put his dad in the recovery position. It makes giving up my time to teach scouts ‘Life Skills’ like First Aid a worthwhile thing to do with my spare time.” 

Guernsey’s Scout Commissioner Nick Paluch said “Scouting teaches young people so many important skills which might not otherwise be taught through the standard school curriculum. Along with great first aid skills Jack also showed resilience and a calm approach under pressure which are character traits of a true Scout.”

Pictured top: Alan and Jack Garbutt.