Job well done … St John Ambulance call-taker Brendan McInnes stands with Daniel Murch (13)in front of a computer terminal in the 111 call centre.
COOL HEAD IN CRISIS EARNS BOY ST JOHN AWARD
By Sarah Harvey
© Otago Daily Times 5/4/2008
Staying calm in a scary situation has earned praise from high places for Invercargill’s Daniel Murch.
Daniel (13) and his mum, Naomi, were flown to Christchurch this week to receive an award from St John Ambulance Chief Executive Tony Blaber for Daniel’s “calm and composed” call to the 111 call centre on March 8.
Daniel was playing about 7.30pm when his brother came screaming in the door to say a friend had fallen off the school roof.
The friend had not been fully alert and fell straight off the roof, landing on his feet.
Daniel went with a blanket and pillow to comfort him before ringing 111 and asking for an ambulance.
Ambulance call-taker Brendan McInnes said Daniel calmly explained the situation and described his friend’s injuries, meaning the ambulance could be dispatched quickly.
Daniel said this week he was a bit scared for his friend, who had shattered both feet in the fall.
He visited him in hospital but the injured boy was recovering well now.
Mr Blaber, Chief Executive for the northern region of the South Island, said Daniel’s call was rare, especially for someone so young, because many people were unclear about their whereabouts and did not describe injuries accurately.
The certificate was in appreciation of a young man who had stayed calm and composed, he said.
“It helped us significantly,” he said.
As well as being flown to Christchurch for the day, Daniel was given the chance to have a ride in an ambulance and a tour around the station.
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