December 7, 2018 3.06 pm This story is over 63 months old

Bravery award for teen who saved grandmother

She started CPR to save her grandmother’s life

Left to right: Paramedic Ben Shepherd, Julijia Matikane and Emergency Care Assistant Andrew Passenger. Photo: EMAS

A Boston school girl has been awarded for her bravery after saving her grandmother who had fallen down the stairs and become unconscious.

Julijia Matikane, 13, bravely called 999 on September 23 after the incident before following instructions from call taker Rebecca Mount.

The youngster then opened her grandmother’s airway to allow her to breathe. It was not clear whether Julijia’s grandmother was breathing so she started CPR to save her life.

Paramedic Daron Horne quickly arrived on the scene and confirmed that her grandmother was not in cardiac arrest, but that she needed emergency treatment as well as transporting to a major trauma centre.

Ambulance crew Paramedic Ben Shepherd and Emergency Care Assistant Andrew Passenger arrived to transport her grandmother to hospital, who has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

Throughout her treatment, Julijia assisted the crew with translation between them and her family, ensuring that they had all her grandmother’s medical history.

Paramedic Ben was so impressed by Julijia’s actions he nominated her to receive a Laverick Award, which she was recently presented with at St Giles Academy.

Ben and Andrew attended St Giles Academy to present Julijia with her award in her year assembly on Wednesday, November 28.

Ben said: “Julijia made the 999 call for help in what was undoubtedly a traumatic and difficult situation, and she followed the 999 call takers instructions before Daron arrived in the ambulance car.

“She continued to assist Daron in a calm and mature manner until myself and Andrew could arrive. She was the first responder that night and made a huge difference.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to recognise the courage that Julijia demonstrated. In our opinion Julijia demonstrated each of the qualities of the Laverick Award and is very deserving.”