Young 'Badger' helps save his nan

Monday 13 May 2019

A seven-year-old Guernsey boy put his first aid training to the test when his nan collapsed in the garden at home.

Brandon Leech-Corbert has been learning life-saving skills with the St John Badgers for the past year.

On seeing his nan, Kathleen, go vacant, fall over and start fitting, Brandon shouted for help and asked his mum to call an ambulance. He then stayed with Kathleen, initially keeping her still and then helping to put her in the recovery position. He carried on talking to his nan and reassuring her until the ambulance arrived.

When the ambulance got to the scene Brandon was able to explain exactly what he had seen which helped the crew diagnose the problem and treat the patient.

"Nan was standing on a step just staring at the grass and then she fell over so I screamed for help," he said. "We had learnt the recovery position at Badgers and I remember what I had to do.

"The best thing about Badgers is learning first aid. When I grow up I would like to drive an ambulance."

Pictured: Brandon would like to "drive an ambulance" when he is older.

After a stay in hospital Kathleen is now making a good recovery.

"I don't remember much about what happened but I am really impressed with Brandon," she added. "I've been told he was talking to me and tried to keep me calm. I'm so proud that he had been listening in his first aid lessons and had taken everything in. I don't think most seven-year-olds would have been able to do that.

"I think it is so important for people of all ages to learn first aid and if you can only remember a bit at least that might help."

Brandon has been presented with a certificate by the new Chairman of St John Ambulance Guernsey Roy Tilleard: "I was delighted to meet Brandon and his family and be able to congratulate him in person. The fact he remembered what he had learnt and was able to act in such a calm and mature way underlines the importance of first aid training for all ages. It's also a testimony to the work of our youth leaders and first aid trainers and shows us all the value of St John Badgers and Cadets."

Pictured top: Chairman Roy Tilleard with Brandon and his nan, Kathleen.